001This conference will now be recorded. >> Yeah, call the meeting to order. Mike Ziegler, chair. Is Connie here? >> Connie Sessi, trustee. >> Bo Gibbs, vice chair. >> Does Hopper, trustee. >> Ruben Trevino, superintendent. >> And I think you have two on the site. Jay is connecting. Yes, this is Jay. >> Then our online. Jay. >> Who's Oh, tell who we are. >> Yep, Jay Fallon, trustee. >> And Alex. >> Alex Rivas, trustee. >> Yeah, takes us to consent agenda. You have a chance to look that over. We're going to have a motion and a second for that. >> I so move. >> I'll second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any further discussion or comment? If not, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. That takes us to public
002comment. See who it is. This is So, this is not on the agenda. >> I don't know who the last signature is, Jim Fry. >> It's my signature. >> Oh, yes. >> I kind of signed it accidentally, but we'll see. >> Are you Are you Do you want to speak to anything on the agenda or just >> No, I thought we just had to sign it and leave. >> Oh, okay. >> Now you have >> Okay, so yeah, this is fine. >> Okay. Awesome. I did make copies of my letter just if you answer. Yeah, thank you. All right, good evening members of the Glendive Public School Board. My name is Lisa Van Meter and I come before you this evening as both a fourth grade teacher within our district and a taxpayer in our
003community. I would first like to acknowledge uh several recent transitions within our district leadership. I wish Mr. Larson a well-deserved and happy retirement, and I extend my best wishes to uh Mrs. Kennedy as she begins her next administrative chapter. I would also like to formally welcome Mr. Schoff as the new principal of Washington Middle School and Ms. Classen as the new principal at Lincoln School. I was part of the interview committee, and I look forward to supporting both of those administrators as they bring new perspectives, excuse me, and leadership to our schools. This evening, however, I would like to respectfully express my concern regarding the proposed reduction of third-grade teaching positions for the upcoming school year. I understand that the incoming third-grade class is smaller than classes we have seen in previous years and is
004comparable in size to the current sixth-grade class. However, reducing the third-grade team from four teachers to three would result in class sizes averaging approximately 26 to 27 students per classroom. That's just since this is what we have right now with numbers. Uh while enrollment numbers are certainly an important consideration, I believe it is equally important to consider the increasing academic and behavioral needs of our students. I Ideally, the majority of students would function successfully as tier one learners. That's the little triangle. That's where it's got your your all your tier ones. They need little to no interventions, little to no academic or behavior problems. You wish that your 80 to 90% of kiddos are there. Then you have your tier two where you have, you know, few interventions, you know, few at behavior. And then
005your tier one is where your major intervention. Sadly, that's not us. Right, unfortunately, the reality of uh today's classrooms are that we see a growing number students requiring the tier one tier two and tier three. Sorry, I worked backwards. Uh tier one, tier two, tier three academic and behavioral interventions. Increasing classroom sizes while student needs continue to intensify places additional strain on both students and staff. Larger class sizes reduce opportunities for individualized support, intervention, relationship building, and effective classroom management during one of the most foundational years of a child's education. Um third grade for our kiddos, not only do they change buildings, um they're also learning uh we're separated over at Lincoln. We're inside and in the modulars. That's a big transition to get used to. Um they they use I I think Lincoln limited
006Chromebooks, but now over in third grade, that's all they use. There's no iPads. The state testing becomes um obviously pressures of that. Uh during the recent principal interview process, Mr. Schreibweiss referenced research and discussions surrounding third grade reading proficiency and long-term societal outcomes. This struck me as really important. That conversation reinforced for me the critical importance of investing in students during their elementary years, particularly at the third grade level and of course fourth grade, where foundational literacy and academic skills are essential to future success. I also understand that staffing reductions are being presented as a response to declining enrollment. However, it is difficult for new staff members to reconcile reductions in classroom teaching positions while administrative positions have remained intact or expanded over time. As an example, during the 2018-2019 school year, the district determined
007that additional administrative support through through hiring a dean was necessary to address behavioral concerns at that time at Lincoln. While those concerns may have justified that decision at the time, important to recognize that today's classroom teachers continue to face increasing behavioral and academic demands as well. I would like to emphasize that I do not speak tonight from personal interest or personal gain. I am not a third grade teacher, nor do I have a child entering third grade. I'm speaking because I genuinely believe this decision will have a significant impact on the quality of education and support our students receive. As educators and community members, we must continue striving to provide what is best for students, even when those decisions are difficult. Our schools are are a reflection of our community, and the strength of our
008community depends upon the strength of our schools. I respectfully urge the board to reconsider the reduction of third grade teaching position of the reduction of the third grade teaching position and to prioritize manageable class sizes that allow students and teachers the opportunity to succeed. Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued service to our district. >> Thank you. Uh, is there any other public comment on anything not on the agenda? >> I would I guess just like to add um one thing. My name is Cody Smith. I'm a first grade teacher. Um I also do not like Lisa said, um this does not affect my position or my children anymore. Um so I guess I entered the the school district 3 years ago um just basically as uh pull on my heart to see the
009longevity of the health of public school systems and children strive towards positive interaction there and um the one thing that's been uh expressed to me and I'm as I said I'm new to this system is that our district's budget comes from enrollment, from students in the classroom. And as we see this problem increase and enrollment decrease, this is in response to that. However, I feel that cutting teachers and increasing class size is going to do nothing but increase the problem of enrollment. Um uh you know, as a stay-at-home mom for many years, you many things about my children's uh education has crossed my mind and how to best take care of them and see, you know, their needs through COVID. And I could I I would imagine that many parents find themselves in a position
010of just considering is public school really the right answer for me if I'm forced into a large class size. So, that may end up reducing where we get our budget from to begin with. >> Thanks, Cody. Uh any other public comment anything not on the agenda? Okay. That takes us to reports. I trust we've had a chance to look through all the reports. Any questions or anything anybody wants to elaborate? Anyone want to add to their report? >> No, nothing really any questions. >> Or highlight anything or any questions. Uh if not, um let's bring that Oh. See if there's something. Something new from my >> Okay. >> Takes us to building updates. >> Well, if you all had a chance to look at my report, um I think that pretty much has a lot
011of it in there. Although, um down on the uh top of the third page, the WMS sped bathroom issue, we did an update on that. We cameraed the uh vent lines and like everything else, it's a little bit bigger issue than what we were hoping it was going to be. So, we've got to come up with a game plan there. Um the problem is it's, you know, the the two oldest portions of the building on the three-story part, and they're bad. There's three bathrooms that are kind of in the sped, I don't know what you want to call them, in the bedrooms. >> The >> classrooms. >> Yeah. Um and so those vent lines when you're in the bottom floor, they don't just go straight up through the roof. They go up and over, up,
012and then tie into the new teachers' lounge, and then that ties into it. And those vent lines, um you know, that we're still dealing with uh cast iron sewer lines and stuff, so they're pretty much scaled shut and not venting. And so getting rid of the one bathroom will be quite the exhaust. We'll have to try to figure out something for the other three bathrooms and or the staff lounge, so I'll um get a game plan on that right away and and get it scheduled and figured out, so um Other than that, I think uh I think everything else is in my report unless anybody has any questions. >> So we've gotten two grants so far for the auditorium? With a third one? >> Third one should be finding out any minute, any day here
013or so. We were We were sitting pretty good going into the final round, so >> So you've secured $120,000 already and working towards another decent >> Yeah, another $100,000. >> Hopefully. Oh, yeah. >> Yep. >> The I mean, one thing I'll note is um the one that we got for the projectors, that wasn't That wouldn't have been It didn't take anything off the bond. >> Yeah. >> That wasn't part of the That's why I want to make that clear. Like the bond was for the seats and whatever, but we did need to upgrade that as well, so we were trying to find other ways to to do that. >> Is there anything else as far as the scope of the auditorium work like the projector that would be beneficially upgraded now that >> Well, we
014are We've got people asking, so we're We're asking for like the curtain. And there's definitely different things that people if they wanted to donate um they um could. >> The curtain is the big one. >> Yeah, that's right. >> Yeah, it's it's going to be a lot. >> Yeah, the next summer on the floor really we need to really finish. >> Yeah. >> We're trying to scrounge up pennies to get the inside of it painted. I mean it hadn't been painted since 1968. Um still the original coat of paint in there, so like put a coat of paint on it in a few years. And then there's yeah, variety of other stuff, but >> Is there a rough timeline for the name plates, the donation for name plates? >> Um I don't >> To be
015determined. Um the fundraiser for >> auditorium seats for you. >> Right. Well, um you know, right now we only have the uh the one grant potentially. Um we haven't sold individual seats. >> Yeah, so >> Um but otherwise, yeah. Uh we will And we'll see what they want to do too for recognition on that, but Yeah. >> All right. And did mention during contracting company hackly or hassel you for donations? >> Uh no. >> Okay. He said he was going to reach out to you. >> Yeah. >> He said they want to they want to buy a bunch of seats. >> Hassle me anytime. >> Yeah. All right. That's it for building updates. That takes us to action item A, resolution for county to administer 2026-2027 elections. Um something we do every year that we
016ask you guys to to do. We We pay the county to run our elections. Otherwise, we would have to do it. I think it's a it's a good thing. It helps save our staff and they this is what they do. I know it's really hard for them right now cuz they had the school election stuff and now they're doing the all the other elections, so it's a busy place there, but um this is something that we ask. They can always say no, but this allows for us to allow them to do it, so I'm asking you guys to uh approve this so we can continue to do this at the end of the year. >> I'll second the move. >> I'll second it. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any further discussion or public comment?
017If not, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Any opposed? Motion carries. That takes us to action item D. Oh, no, sorry. B. Canvassing of the 2026 trustee election results election by acclamation. >> So, every year we have elections um when there is only enough that apply um for the seats that are available, then you can basically acclamation. So, that's what happened this year. So, you guys are approving the canvas of adding Michael Zigler back and then Caleb uh how do you how do you pronounce the last name? >> Catermus. >> Yep. >> Um on as well. So. We're back up to a nine-member board. >> I make a motion to approve. >> I'll second it. That is >> I'll second it. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any further discussion or
018public comment? If not, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Takes us to action item D, consideration and possible action on administration's recommendation to non-renew and provide notice to a non-tenured teacher previously hired under emergency authorization pursuant to 20-4-111. And so, um I mean my notes are in my board report as to this one. Um I just uh kind of give a quick summation of this. Um every year when we have an open position, we advertise. We Our job is to find qualified candidates who has a license in the state of Montana. And there's There's pieces to this. Um sometimes people are in the process of doing it. There's There's a lot of pieces to this, but um there's many laws that come into play when you're when you're dealing
019with employment, and especially with teachers. And so, um if you can't find a qualified candidate, um you have to prove to OPI that you have done this. And then you can apply for what's called emergency authorization. And so, um and that gives them 1 year um of a license in that whatever they're applying for. If it's elementary or if it's high school, whatever it is. Um they still have to accept that, but I mean for the most part we've never had someone not get accepted, but the thing that they would they would say no on is if you can't show that you advertised it the way that they that's pursuant to that law. And you have to um advertise, and any qualified candidate you have to interview and show that you um that you did
020those things. And so, and then once those things are met, then you can then you can hire someone you can apply and hire someone um with the authorization. And so, um we've done that multiple times in our district. It will probably not be the last. We will have many of those at times because not only do we, you know, we There's just not enough people going into teaching, and there's It's harder and harder to get applicants, and this isn't just here. This is everywhere nationwide, but also in the state of Montana. And so, most districts are having emergency authorizations, and it's just the world we live in now. And so, it's a it's a it's a really big deal to be able to fill those positions. And And so, when that happens, the applicants are,
021you know, told because of law, you cannot you cannot They cannot continue employment after that year, but And if this was a classified position, the administration just wouldn't have to bring it to the board. But because it's a teacher, there's another law that comes into play that says, "Okay, all teachers, regardless of your license, will be renewed at June 1st if they are if they didn't resign or get non-renewed." And so, every year our emergency authorizations, we have conversation with them, and they have, you know, we have to non-renew them, but they can, you know, resign. In this case, it's There was no resignation, so we're bringing it to you guys to non-renew. Um you know, this is not for disciplinary reasons. This is not for anything, but um you know, you you have someone
022that does not have a license, and we have to follow the process the state of Montana has has gone through. And so, as always, I always like giving you, you know, options. I mean, to me, there really is no option, but there is, right? I mean, you could not go through my recommendation, and basically what would happen is um June 1st, that person would get a license or would get a contract and we would be required to have them teach and then um we would not be able to get them emergency authorized because we would not be able to show the state that they um that we advertised for qualified positions and then they would not have a license and then there's another law that kicks in that says um I think that one is
023I don't have that one in my report. But it's um 24 202 that after someone starts their contract, they have 60 days to get their license and if they don't then the district can't pay them. And so not only would you take accreditation ding in not having a licensed staff member, but then you would have a staff member that could not get paid um after 60 days and so that would be kind of the the opposite of you know not following through with this recommendation um for this. And so that's kind of how emergency authorizations kind of work and so um this is the first time we've had to non-renew. Usually it's just a letter of resignation but here we are. Here and again not for disciplinary reasons, just following the the laws and what
024they they have us do so. >> So the motion would be um say to follow follow your recommendation would be to non-renew. >> Non-renew and to not follow your recommendation would be >> And just so I understand, like if if someone who's normally emergency authorized would resign we would advertise the position, again if it doesn't get filled then we could go through the emergency authorization process for that person um the same way we did it the year before. >> Yeah, if that position is going to be put out there again. >> Okay. >> Yeah, that's also part of my job as superintendent that you guys may need to do is to be fiscally responsible with the budget that we have and try to make the budget with what we have. Yeah, so to answer your
025question though, if the opposite of the recommendation would be to not accept the recommendation and there would be no action. >> That That's kind of where I was getting at. Would there be any action? >> There would be no action. You would just basically die with no motion. >> Yeah, the rules of Robert's play on this. >> Yeah, cuz if you don't have a motion then it dies and then what would end up happening is then they would on June 1st It's It's just an It's just with teachers and principals or teachers generally because of one law piece of it and then they would automatically get renewed. The contract would get paid for them, but like I said before, there's also consequences to that because eventually that person needs to be paid. >> Is this
026uh position looking at being reinstated though? Like is this position staying? >> Yeah, this This This position would not is not currently going to be filled. We are not advertising for it. >> Okay. >> Yeah, cuz we're still in the process of of seeing, but that's at this time with the current law and where we're at. Um that we're not We are not going out for advertising for them. >> What position is this? >> I was in the first grade. >> And if we don't approve and it they that person does have a contract, what do you do with that position next year? >> Um if if you do that, well then you would you'd basically be adding that position with a person who cannot get licensed and then they would fill that position and
027then after 60 days would have to work for free. I mean >> I >> Yeah. >> So you have an issue We'd have an issue with the accreditation at that point, too. >> Yes. Yeah, you'd have an accreditation ding which takes you down quite a bit for not having a licensed teacher. >> How much time do you have to notify this individual of the decision? >> Time before June 1st. >> And that's Okay. >> Yeah, they have to be notified before June 1st. >> So do we have to make a motion on this tonight or can we >> Well, that's that's the thing. That's the rub. This requires a motion and a second and a vote or that it plays out the It plays out as Stephanie explained as uh not as uh it just
028dies. It stays. >> And and and I mean another thing to throw in there, too. Um so um So another thing that um you I mean the board, not just this board, but all boards have given superintendents the authority to um through policy is placing people based off of their license. Okay, so it does not have to be in first grade. It could be whatever. I mean we could transfer people to different things where the you know, where the greatest need is. That happens uh frequently as well. And so so it doesn't necessarily mean that it would be in first grade or anything. I mean again, you'd be in a sense hiring someone who cannot get a license and then telling them that yes, you can have this contract, but you won't get paid for
029it after 60 days. That's where >> Is that teacher aware of that? >> There was an email sent. Yes, and there was conversations. Yeah. They they were aware when at the beginning we tell all of our mercy authorizations that this is a one year and this is what will happen. That's why we've never been in this situation before. Typically will resign cuz they understand the rules. And what we have to do. >> Is there anything you can share as far as what their reasoning is for wanting to continue with the position? >> No, but that's that's their decision. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um that would be I'd be out of order. >> Okay. >> So, it seems like a fairly potentially complex issue, but really the real issue is to my understanding um that this
030is a one year position that um normally ends at the termination of the school year. Um and it's a formality that we have to go through. >> Correct. >> Um and the present state um where was I going with that? To not do anything puts us in a worse position. Puts us and that individual in a worse position. So, letting this play out um is a very awkward uh position. So, it um regardless of whether or not the position was available next year, um this is still something that from a formality standpoint needs action. >> Yeah, and I don't know if we're confused with like class size stuff versus this. I mean um I mean this action is really about this one person. >> Mhm. >> Um there's been the only decision that's been made
031is we are not advertising for those that third grade position and um in the first grade position in this aspect of it um right now because of where things are at. If things shift, that changes everything, right? So, I mean that's that there's been many times where all of a sudden things shift and all of a sudden you're saying, "Hey, we need to start advertising for this now." And that happens all the time. And so, it's just where things are at currently. You know, that's that's where it's at. >> So, that would be two separate discussions. >> Yeah, they are. And that's what I'm trying to this is a formality change that does not affect >> This will not affect, you know, the class size conversation, class size conversation. Yeah, this is really just um
032do you Like cuz if you if you have no action on this, then you have someone that's going to um be working for us that will give us accreditation being and eventually not get paid. And that's it is a formality of what we have to do because of the state of Montana. If mercy authorizations did not exist, we wouldn't be in this conversation. But then if they didn't exist, there'd be so many unfilled positions in our state that you know, so it's kind of tough to wait. >> So, like then there's some things that we often encounter here. It's a untangling Montana law. As also moved, I will move to follow the district recommendation then. >> I'll second it. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any further discussion or public on this action item? If
033not, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. That takes us to action item E, consideration and possible action regarding certified staff leave of absence request pursuant to 13.12 of the master agreement. >> So, as you see in my board report, there is a request for leave of absence per CBA. This person can ask the board for this. They're asking for a year. You guys had something similar this last year. And what it what it does is it allows for them to do what they need to do so that but then they don't lose their position and standing. So, my recommendation is for for you guys to approve this. And just like this board this board, and talking in general, the boards have done you know, a lot of times. Not
034going to go into detail. I don't think it's needed as to, you know, reasoning why, but, you know, medical reasons and I think this would is exactly why this exists in the CBA. >> I'll make a motion to approve. >> I'll second it. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any further discussion or public comment? If not, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. Takes us to action There's no action other, no committee events, and no open legislator. >> Or is there? >> No, we didn't have today. Okay. >> No. >> Okay. So, with that, uh I adjourn meeting. >> All right, so now but now we have a second. >> Yeah. >> So, Jackie gets to take over now. >> Welcome. >> With the plebs. >> I tried to pull
035off the I forget what movie that was. >> Uh >> Does Caleb join us now or >> Yeah, uh Caleb isn't coming up here today. >> Welcome, my friend. >> Wait, you got to get your swearing out of the way. >> Oh, okay, before that. >> So, that's before we >> Okay, yeah, before we do. >> Under >> So, swearing in, I'll just go let Jackie >> Oh, sure, sorry. >> Yep. >> Okay, um I'll just call the meeting to order. Introduction of guests. >> Yeah, go go ahead. I guess I We already did it already, so I think >> Okay. >> This is going to be the same video, so >> Okay. >> Um that takes us to the first item, oath of office for our new trustees. >> So, for those of you
036who don't know, this is Kim Smith. She is our county superintendent. >> Together or individually? >> However you want to do it. >> It's okay. >> Do it together? >> Yeah. >> You can do it together. >> I want to do it special moment. >> All right. So, congratulations. Raise your right hand. Repeat after me. I do solemnly swear >> I do solemnly swear >> that I will support and defend >> Protect and defend >> the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the state of Montana >> and the Constitution of the state of Montana >> and that I will discharge the duties >> and I will discharge the duties >> of my office with fidelity >> so help me God. >> Thank you. Okay, I'll have you guys sign. Let's see.
037Michael sign his own. Let Michael sign his own. Um What trial do we have? Okay, so I will have Caleb, you'll sign here. I forgot. I need to reorganize first. >> Okay. >> All right, and that's all. Perfect just that for now. And Michael there. Today is the 11th day May 26th. It's okay, I'll sign them. Here you go. Once you get me over the highs, you have to just or chairs on it or and then you lose all of it. And if you want, I can take them to Shirley, but if you don't want if you want to do that yourself, you can do that. Do you need copies of them too? I can send them. Um, I usually give a copy after it's been recorded. Okay, we'll get the key somehow. >> All
038right, now you're official. >> Thank you. >> Um, we got to have Mike first sign them first. Okay. >> The next board chair. >> Okay. Hey, I already told him you better not lose it. Okay, so our next agenda item will be election of a board chairperson. Do we have any nominations? >> Mike Mike Ziegler. >> Okay. >> You sound surprised. >> No, I'm not, but it was just so Are there any other nominations? >> Any others? >> Any other nominations? Okay, the only nomination for our board chair is Mike Ziegler. All in favor say aye. >> Aye. >> All opposed? >> All right. >> Aye. >> Wow. >> Okay, any opposed? Okay, congratulations. >> Thank you, everybody. It doesn't say call to order. >> Yeah, we'll do we'll do it >> I called it
039to order already. You did it already, so now you're on the >> Oh, we did? >> Yeah, now you're in the seat. >> Okay. >> See, you didn't get called to it. >> Election of board vice chair. >> Oh, good. >> Do you have a nomination? >> Absolutely, Bo Gibbs. >> Uh is there any other nominations? Actually, we vote on this, >> Yes. >> Yeah, you will. I would just do the same thing. Let's see if there's other nominations. >> Is there any nominations? >> Is there any other nominations? Um Yes, Bo Gibbs elected chair by acclamation. >> Vice chair by acclamation. >> I'll go with that. >> Wow. >> Thank you. We appoint a clerk. >> Jackie Stinnett. >> Okay. Is there any other nominations? Uh Jackie Stinnett is the clerk by acclamation. Appoint
040clerk assistant. So, currently, most people don't know this, currently it's Kathy Brinley. Um used to be Kathy Jacobson. Kathy Brinley is the current one. She's our assistant business manager. >> I say let's keep her. >> Yeah. >> She wants the job. She wants the job. >> Is Kathy Are there any other nominations? Any other nominations? Any other nominations? Kathy is the assistant clerk due to acclamation. Uh Authorize clerk to invest. This is another just dotting your eyes and crossing your tees. Um any any you know, investments that need to be done, you are giving her the authority as not only the clerk, but also she's the business manager. Those two go together that she can invest. Um that's an important thing for us is to how to, you know, utilize the interest to help best
041serve the district. So. >> I approve. Motion. >> Jackie. I think you just have to approve her. >> I think you approve it, yeah. >> So, it's moved and seconded? Is it? >> Seconded. >> Discussion or public comments? If not, all in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? >> I. >> Take that as an I. Takes us to action item G, declare trustee positions vacant. All right, so we have, let's see. Is it just one? >> Just one. Just one. >> So, we're at 10 per district. >> We're at nine. >> It's 10 altogether. >> I was going to get to >> Yes, cuz for some reason I was I thought it was 11, but it's 10. So, you have the the opening is the district 367S at large, which is basically Deer
042Creek and Lindsay South, I believe. Yeah, so it's a combination. So, someone in the Lindsay South or in the Deer Creek area, they would be able to serve on that seat. And that one is typically we don't have someone for, but Yeah. Okay. Uh So, you I think you just need a motion and a second. >> Oh, yeah, we declare it. >> I'll second the move. >> I'll second. >> It's been moved and seconded. Any further discussion or public comment? >> Just adding on to it, what that does is then it allows for you guys to try to search for someone. So, in your conversations or whatever, and then there's I think it's a 60-day timeline where after 60 days if you haven't found someone in the county superintendent can just appoint someone. Um so
043there's that as well. But typically there's not a whole lot of people just you know coming out of the woodwork to serve the town. And in the past they've formed committees to go search but it's kind of like Yeah, just you know who doesn't know it's So So yeah, it's been moved and seconded. Any further comments or All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Motion carries. All right, so with that that's the end of end of the reorganization meeting. Adjourn the meeting. >> Thanks everybody. >> Thanks everyone.