Whitefish School Board Business Meeting February 10, 2026

001We're going to call this February 10th monthly business meeting to order. Would anyone like to lead us to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands nation public comment This item is the appropriate place to make comments about an item not on the agenda but within the board's jurisdiction. Each action item on agenda has its own public comment period. Um I do not believe this evening that I received public correspondence. You'll see uh there's a letter attached there for anyone to review. Um, and we will move on to the approval of minutes. So, we'll do each one separately is what I learned. >> All right. >> Elizabeth, what did it mean to say CEO and then mayor? >> That's a mistake. >> Okay. Yeah, my apologies. That must

002have been the wrong template. It should say uh the board chair and Oh. >> Oh, okay. >> Okay. >> And then I just wasn't clear because on January 6th um like I I was via Zoom and on there's two meetings the special board meeting and the other right district and one of them I listed as absent and the other one I listed as present. That makes sense. >> Yeah, >> the first one I was absent, but I was there via Zoom. So, I don't know how you normally say that if I'm >> Okay, so I guess that would be I would just amend that first one to say um I was >> I have no idea why. >> That's okay. >> Um shoots up Okay. All right. I I got it. Thank you. Are there

003any other amendments to the first one? >> So, should we entertain a motion? >> I a motion by Rainey, seconded by Darcy. All in favor? So we'll move on to the special meeting of board of trustees for January 6. >> Um what do we need to change that bottom the CEO and mayor does that need to be amended? Yeah. So um I know we approve with the amendment of changes. >> Okay. So moved by Darcy, seconded by Quincy. All in favor? And then the monthly business meeting board of trustees January 13. Second move by Rainey and seconded by Jerry. All in favor? >> Okay. I do not believe we have a student trustee report this evening. >> So we will move into the WA WCA update. I'll keep this really short. Just have a couple

004things I wanted to share with you guys. Um, first off, it's pretty hard to believe over the complex halfway point. Um, but I just wanted to mention that we had the opportunity to meet with Dave Woody from the Department of Labor at the end of last month. I mentioned that we filled the boardroom with participants every table of school. Well, labor management trainings can be a little dry. He did have some technical difficulties with some entertaining videos. So, that helped us in the process, but it's just really it's really nice to just have a refresher. Um, and I just find that refreshing those trainings really helps our labor teams process and the whole idea is just to solve problems at the lowest level. Um, and so if you're interested in kind of reviewing the part

005of our CBA, it's article 22. Um, but I just wanted to share with you guys it really works. Um and so the buildings themselves have at least around four meetings a year and then if needed we can have two district level meetings but we we sometimes usually only need one district meeting and we don't bring very much to that agenda because a lot of things are solved the building level. Um but it's a great place to connect all the gears of other committees and communicate about what's going on in the robos teams. So, I just appreciate that process and thank you Dave, other Dave for putting that together. Um, and really the thing that's kind of blown our minds right now is just the number of people retiring. >> So, just I mean you're going

006to see some more on the list and as we get closer to March 1st, we'll probably have a few more coming in, but it there's a lot of celebrations. So really just wanted to be here and kind of know what's going on and just there's not going to be snow. We're happy there's sunshine and uh just appreciate the support and um again one thing we discussed in that labor management meeting is that we are just so fortunate to be able to have interest based bargaining in our district. our neighboring count um schools in the county really look to us to see what does that actually look like in process and I think we're opening our eyes slowly but thanks guys can I ask a quick question >> um how did that originally start you know

007was it the union that said let's try this or was it >> it happens Do you remember? >> Uh, it happened with Heather. >> That's the last thing. That's when it started >> idea and then everybody was going to open it. >> I'm just wondering how other schools go about. >> Yeah, it was a joint decision between the district and the union at the time. Mhm. >> So must be like 10 years >> close to 10 years. It's really surprising and I know J and I were chatting and he was at a superintendent meeting like wait you do that interested party. Yeah that's the reason right again just so grateful for the support of that process and I know it puts a huge burden on board members that are almost as well. It's a big

008ask and also administrators but it really is worth it and these labor management meetings are part of that process and so it just all fits together nicely. Thanks for your support. Can I answer your question? >> Yeah. So to be on the labor management, is that just something you apply for? Do you have to also then sit like as a union? >> You have to be a member, >> right? But then you have to be like a city like you're the president like you have to have a like so each school has a representative, right? Board per se. >> Um so how does the labor management committee go on? Could you just tell us about that? Like who can be on? So there's um so yeah we just kind of look at the wording. So

009basically there can be um certain number of members in each team. So three teachers for each building group. Um but then oftentimes what happens is then somebody from a building team then serves on the district team as well. Or you may have completely different people at the district team. Um and so what one of the things we try to do is kind of streamline those committees. You've seen some of those documents and Chrome's been working on those for us to clean them up. Um, so people show an interest. So I might send out a survey if they're interested in a leadership role. Um, but there's a lot of training involved as far as how process goes. Um, and usually just kind of someone who's interested and kind of shows some natural leadership in their building.

010Um, but it is really helpful at the district level to have some kind of unique teachers in place. So sometimes teachers have traveled between buildings are a good fit for something like that because they can really weigh in on a different perspective. I try to make those the teams make as much sense as possible. Um and then recently added a layer where we have some alternates so that we always have enough people and and those alternates were very intentional asks on my part for people that really understand that building systems. And so when they're because some of the things that are listed in our CPA that we discuss in those meetings really need experts in those areas, especially this time of year. So we're looking at enrollment numbers, looking at numbers of students in each

011section, what classes are going to be offered, what what they're going to choose as soon as they start to register. Um, and those are some of the places where we can have a really cohesive group of people working on those issues. Thank you. >> Yeah. hear a little bit more about working with good questions. >> Okay, we will move into discussion and action items starting with a program highlight with Lisa. >> I just like it program highlight. I thought I think you're ready. Uh I'm going to give you a brief PD update. As a student in January, the 2526 professional development plan includes core principles of learning and instruction as well as an alignment to the strategic plan which guides the sessions that we offer to staff. Our latest professional development day was on the

012afternoon of Monday, January 26th. the afternoon because the morning is explicitly stated in the collective bargaining agreement that that is recordeping time for teachers. So I cannot touch that. So I can only have the afternoon to to plan for some type of professional development. This year it included um districtwide CPR training and that's led by our own certified instructors. So we now have three people in our district that are American Heart Association um CPR certified instructors which is really nice because we don't have to pay an additional fee for that. They have led um training for us and it is a um blended training in that teachers or staff because we provide it for both classified and certified staff. Um they do an online portion and at at their own time and they bring the

013certificate to the on-site skills test and then the trainers actually do a skills test for them. And I'm happy to report we have 160 staff members in our district that are currently certified in CPR. Uh this year on that afternoon of January 26 at the middle and high school, the focus was the use of AI tools from teachers. >> I know Katie, I too saw your art. >> Wow. run that across the valley. Um staff took a deeper dive into a district program called Magic School AI as well as Google AI tools and that was led by our own tech department. Both um Jacob Phillips and Dave Britter led classes um sessions about those tools. Um they talked a lot about um how to prompt correctly in Google Gemini. Um they talked about the use

014of Google notebook which person is my favorite love that has become really efficient for me. I just have to give you a quick little story. I was I had about eight sheets of paper out on my table trying to analyze mass results from the fall and Dave Ritter walked by and he goes, "What are you doing?" And I said, "Well, need to analyze the data kind of see how we're done with an assessment." He said, "Why don't you put that into Google notebook?" And I'm like, "What?" He showed it to me and I was like, "Oh." when this light bulb went on and it it is the neatest thing if you haven't ever played around with it. It is just spit out all kinds of information for me really quickly. It was an efficient use

015of my time. And then the other neat thing about it was it created an infographic for me. So it look all nice and pretty. And then if I wanted um a presentation, it created the presentation for me. I just thought it was better than sliced bread. So that was great. Um they also I will tell you that they also um showed staff how to make a gym. And so they um what that is, it's an automat for example um they created an automated lesson plan framework so that teachers could just throw things in there and then it'll spit things out for them. um applications. There were applications for formative assessments, for project based learning, for exit tickets, for differentiation, a multitude of things. They really tried to hit on the use of it, support efficiency

016purposes for teachers, and really targeting kids um in a way that would be very helpful to them so that they're not spending hours and hours listening. So, I thought that was really great. Um, at Moldown, it's a little different. They have some different needs because our district PD team meets and they all have building teams that meet. They generate what they really feel that they need at their building. And Moldown staff dove into an ADHD menu to gain more insight into um how to better support their students. So they had a chance to discuss articles and table groups. Um they submitted a Google form where they provided feedback on takeaways as well as the next steps that they felt they needed. Um they were also supposed to have an hour of um math training with

017Eliza Thomas from FBCC. Unfortunately the morning of the training she came down sick. So we we had to pivot and uh instead we gave staff time to meet in their PLC groups and spend some time with some priority standards work. And then um last but not least we had run L fight training. So every in January and it is on a rotating basis and this year it was mold's turn um just to uh separate into grade levels with um various red line personnel with and officers um in different pods and then they talk about what's pertinent to their building. Um, we also did some additional run by training with new staff so that everybody's kind of in the same place and on the same page. So, it was pretty successful day overall. I'd always love

018to have more professional development, but no pressure. uh I can offer you know um optional training after school and in the summer that doesn't seem as palable to teachers and so I'll do what I can what I question I'm really excited about the I think maybe Katie was a TV on AI but I think it's great you know I think there's so much fear around AI and so the more comfortable the adults in the room with using it they can understand how it can be applied or how students also can use it because it is obviously going to get used. So how do we all >> weave that through and and then as a user it's easier to teach best practices or understand it and not be as fearful of it. So I think it's

019really great that that was a big portion. So that's awesome >> and I'm so happy it made you more efficient. Any other questions? >> Okay, we'll move on to B which is a WHS expansion owner representative. >> Good evening everybody. >> This is the February 2026 update to the expansion of projects at the high school. Um, and this is what I like to call the column before construction phase of the project. Um, it's design is complete. Uh, the bidding process has started and, uh, right now the focus is just on making sure that things line up so construction can start smoothly. Um, so with that, I'll dive into this update. Um, as we do each month, uh, starting with the budget, um, the only update here is total spent to date. So you can see

020that we are at 1,918,623 which is 5.25% of the overall budget. Things are on track there. So nothing major to note. I'm going to skip the GCCM contract status. Um that will get infilled as we finalize the new process and complete that phase of the the project. Um so jumping into current schedule milestones, this all remains the same. Everything is still on track. Uh the design team has hit their milestone dates and um as I mentioned flowing right into the the key monthly updates. Uh number one there, Annie did complete since last board meeting the 100% CB set of drawings for the athletic phase. That was done on March 3rd. Um, and then that same week, right after that, Martell posted the documents to all the bidding networks and it went out to all the

021network of subcontractors on February 5th. Um, and that's a 30-day process. Those bids are due March 5th. Um, so we are we are right in the middle of that process, which is very exciting. We're all looking forward to that March 5th date. Um and then item number three, um as we've been tracking, is planning on their target spring break, March 23rd to mobilize and get construction fencing started out there to start the start the construction project. That would be Monday, March 23rd. And just to reiterate, that starts in the front northwest portion of the building. That parking loop will be shut down. The first thing to start is the gym foyer that event center which will be closed down and starting the demolishing of that portion of the building we'll start the project off. So

022those are the major items for the key updates. I did want to note a couple other things that are listed here. Uh the first one is we're planning to have a community update uh meeting again on March 4th. uh that would be at the high school um kind of give a sense of the final design and uh phasing plan for the project at that update. So I encourage anybody that's interested to attend that. Um and then also um wanted to note that we've been working on a do a donor brochure um which is kind of a potential donor have the opportunity to look at things that might go beyond the bond. Um that is now complete and uh I think will be issued shortly. I think Dave has some copies of that. If anybody is

023interested to you might have a copy. >> You have a hard copy of that. >> I think >> I do on my table in my office. I can run back real quick. They are printed now finalized process is rolling. Just wanted to note that >> hot off the press. Um and then this month again not a lot of fancy visuals. Construction hasn't started so not super exciting but this is a sneak peek of our traffic uh parking access plan that we're working on. finalizing the logistics a little bit with the city of Whitefish um for drop off zones, uh temporary parking, access to the school, stuff like that that um when this is finalized will be issued to staff and students in the community um to give a a full update um and a sense

024of how things flow with the impacts of construction. Um so those are the biggies for this month's update. Any questions? >> Is Pine going to still be open to through traffic or just drop off only? Is it just drop off? >> No impact to traffic. Um unless there are, you know, necessary moments where they would have to shut things down. But this is two-lane traffic that stays open. What you're seeing is just highlighted sections where uh there's currently parking along the line that would just be designated as more like drop off zones or temporary parking. >> Correct. Yeah. and we're planning on having some signage out there to designate that as such. That's what we're working with the city of White. >> Um, are we sending any direct communication to like the neighbors that are

025directly in this area about what's going on, when things are going to start, kind of how things might be routed? >> Um, we haven't planned on that at this point. Um, other than just the general community updates, not specifically targeting like targeting neighbors. Um, other than the, you know, construction traffic, they shouldn't be impacted majorly. But yeah, go ahead, Dave. >> No, I'm sorry. I just going to add to that. We are planning a press release as well with a link to where you can get. >> Okay. I was just curious >> and then we can orient them. I think maybe some flyers. >> Yeah. >> Just surrounding a good idea. >> Yeah. just to give it a heads up starting out there soon. It's a good idea. >> Yeah, I'm just thinking like with

026things starting and then obviously parking is going to be a little bit different. Um and so they might have just again there's you know especially some of those streets a couple blocks off might get some more kids >> or the new parking drop off. >> Yeah, I think that pine area is tricky. That's why I was going to ask the same question because that is a parking right now. So that all those have to get moved per. Yeah. So I can just anticipate especially if you're on third and fourth like it's going to be potentially interesting for them which is I'm sure they're prepared and anticipating something happening that's nice to share that >> right and what we're proposing is uh that temporary parking different setup for during school hours and it's used a lot

027right now for school parking during school hours but >> just to help with flow of things during construction. Just I guess on that note, the yellow that says um that goes kind of around um I call this zipline park. We could also call the park. Um so around fourth and pine, is that still going to be open for parking or is it only drop off? Like people can still park there all day long. It's just an option to correct that area up there around memorial is kind of a secondary drop off just so people can know that that's available. Um it won't be necessarily shut down for parking. May I ask about the where is that? Are you are you sending that out to people? Is it if they ask or what? >> I think

028the plan is targeted sending out in the initial phase and then available for the public. Yeah, initially I think we're just going to be meeting with some folks and sharing that conversations with people who have reached out to us desire to donate things that go beyond the bond that we're that's the title of beyond the bondure and there are people out there who would like to so engage in some conversations with some of those folks and then maybe at a later date. >> Um I wanted to mention too those additional drop off zones that is the area um that that's just like you said it's going to be parking. It's not going to be specified as drop off but a lot of times it isn't utilized as drop off and there are spaces available. So

029we encourage people to try and utilize that drop off zone. In addition, that's the long-term plan for the city of light as well. But that whole area will be considered a drop off area for for folks going to mold down and in the long term planning for the city. So it would in fact additional parking spaces and a drop off area street. So uh they have to get some grant funding to be able to do all that. But those are in some of the long-term things in the city. So just encouraging that area is probably a good idea thinking about that's an option. And then the ones below the unpine near the school now or near the cse those will be signed as and and the city just verbally approved that already saying yes we

030can do that specify that it doesn't drop the airports. Especially with the lock age of the clientele that's going to mention something too the construction zone area that you see is completely uh going to be fenced off. So that area will have some constructions vehicles going in and out of it but that area will be completely fenced. So um so essentially yeah there will be some walking areas that are identified in those dotted areas. That's where people can get to and from certain parts of the high school. More information to come on that. We're working on getting some information out about that to staff and students and parents as well. >> And do you still I can't tell from the picture. Is there still a front entrance to the high school or does the instructions

031block that off? If you enter the high school now through different doors, >> you can enter through the main entrance to those dotted areas that come off of Pine at the southern part of that. >> Okay. So, you go through >> you go there and then you go near the near the building. There's a pathway that we put in as part of the construction project. >> It's already in it's a pathway that goes around to the front. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, And there's also some paved uh parking near or paved pathway we put in near the CSC to accommodate kids blocking around that way too. >> Got it. >> So we've added some >> walking ways and we'll have walking pathways and we'll have some signage as well. So I've been working we've been

032working on this for a while and getting near that start time. So it's getting exciting. >> Yeah. just and now I'm sorry. >> So, we've got coming up on March 4th as a community update. We plan to do that and provide more information like this in that and that will allow us to provide some press releases to get more information out to folks too. And then in addition to that, um March 17th would be the day we're going to come back a special board meeting before a work session to go over the GCM contract, right? We're going to have to update those at that. So we'll have some board meeting at that point and then and then after spring break of course the groundbreaking occurs and we'll have a shovel ready meeting where we will

033have the opportunity to stand by some golden shovel a ground breaking ceremony of sorts more of a >> date to be determined on that. Yeah, we have >> probably move on to C, which is a charitable gift agreement for swimming with Mr. Me. >> Okay. Yes. I'm going to click on that link now. It's small over there and I can't see. Okay. So, um your charitable charitable gift agreement here is for swim is the first one. We have three different agreements and we wanted to separate these out different agenda items for people. But you've seen these before. They're identical to the format that we've seen before. And this one in particular is for swim. So it's the donation that's given to provide funding to support this this program. >> Any question? >> Isn't swim already

034started? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> This is typically the time of year we've done them in the past. So it can't go around this time. >> Okay. The church says it's for the 25 26. So we already received our So, can they technically be >> I mean, isn't that part of >> Okay. I thought that was some of the verbage in here that they weren't allowed to participate unless the >> Yeah, we're a little bit late on getting this to the board, but they are process. >> Okay. >> So, this agreement would provide the funding for them. The primary But they what do you mean at the primary? >> It's the funding. It is the >> but there's no funding coming from this. This is just a contract saying they need the money in order

035to participate. So this doesn't give any funding. >> No, but this is the contract. >> But we always get the revenue. >> Yes. >> Okay. Every year. >> Okay. So, do we need to make sure that we're doing this one next year prior to >> the season actually starting? >> It just doesn't seem to be making any sense that we're approving something after, especially when the verbiage in here states like >> if you don't have the funding, you can't have a team. >> And now we're like when you have it and I don't I mean it's really doesn't I'm fine if maybe there's a MOA or something that was made that says it's fine that they don't have the funding, but I think it's not okay to be making contracts after the fact. >> Yep.

036I agree. >> So, we need to >> this one should go ahead. >> Um, and then if they don't have the funding, then we got to figure out how to help them get the funding or work with them and then that's a different situation other than they're already practicing. We don't have a contract and maybe there's no funding happening. >> I think we're tracking previous you're right on >> this one swimming separately. >> When does swimming start? >> Do you know like when would you need to do it? November. >> November. Also should be done like probably September, October. >> Yeah, >> really early. >> Yeah, it doesn't it doesn't have a date in here. >> It says a 2526 season, but our agreement was executed. It says our agreement was executed on December 15th,

0372025. So, I think we need to amend that because our agreement's being made on >> February 10th. Um, >> does it >> we don't have to do that? >> So, it's really for a calendar year >> like a season whatever the season is. So, they probably have like a 25 26 season because they're still swimming >> crosses because it crosses over. So, it's like this one says I think um baseball says 25. Yeah, because it's so it's a longer season. So it's like the season be like the season of the 2526 school year. >> It just says executed. >> The baseball one says before the start of the 26. >> Yeah, it says um the contribution was honored before the start of the 2526 season. So I guess under transfers funds that's where they talk

038about it. >> Honor before the start of this >> which is under Yeah. one. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> So, we'll do these in September, October, but that date on the top right. >> The other ones also have that other date. >> I think it's when those they signed. So, we'll have to just modify the signature. >> Yeah. calendar. Do we need to talk to our attorney about the stating situation? I mean, this seems weird. >> We can modify the date here, make a recommendation to modify the date, >> but but they've already signed it, but they signed it on the 15th, but we're not signing until two months later, then what? How does that happen? Because it really isn't executed to all parties sign, right? >> Correct. And that's why you put the date.

039>> Oh, and then underneath you just put the date that >> the date that we signed here is that we put on top is the ex. >> Okay. tonight if you >> That's how we all It happens frequently, but we're like a different group sign. >> Okay. So, that's fine. It doesn't matter when they sign it as long as >> Okay. Um, we just need to make sure we do it earlier. >> Yes. >> Because we got to get this one in next year in like probably September, October. This year >> of 2026. Yeah. Next year. Okay. Because >> it goes on the list. >> That poor new person is going to have a list as long as >> Are there any other clarifying questions on this? >> Is there any public comment on this?

040>> Back to the board for further discussion or >> does this do these funds typically come long summer? do that. >> I move we approve the terrible giftged >> with the amendment. >> Uh the motion was made by Quincy and seconded by Rainy. All in favor >> or Jerry, sorry Jerry. That's everybody. Okay, moving on to D, which is a charitable gift agreement for softball. >> Clicked on the wrong >> softball agreement. Yeah, has a different date. Yes, >> but >> we will of course but the same exact same language throughout question any questions there any public comments on this item back to the board for a motion or further discussion. Move approved with the amendment to change the date. >> Second be moved by Darcy, second by Quincy. All in favor? >> Okay, we'll

041move on to E, which is the charitable gift agreement for baseball. >> December 15, too. But everything is similar in this signature. >> My question is the very 15,000 10,000 25 how is that true? >> Those are cost estimates of based on what it may cost to transport to provide protein for everything. >> So this pays for all that >> and it always gets funded by public. Yes. >> A lot of fundraising like if you participate it's paid participate and then usually there's it depends on the club but usually there's a chunk that the parents pay and then a chunk that they fund raise for the other half. But it has been a conversation before is how do you know 15 versus 10 based on the tricky I think well how many games they play

042as well >> the more games you play the more >> and what how do how school sanction versus school goes to They're supposed >> They're not sponsored. >> And that's the way it is or >> um >> how is that determined? >> These are added sports. Uh that's come to the board and requested to be have these sports included. And they when each group comes they come with an effort to fund raise to commitment to do that present those >> and do they ever try to process things so that they become a school? >> Yes. >> Correct. Yes. Sometimes they will request that. Um, >> when it comes to the funding, do you have to fund like the same as title N like fun boys, girls? >> Funding doesn't necessarily I don't think it's just

043the cost. >> Okay. I was just curious how that matter. >> I also don't think you have to have >> school. >> Oh, and sanction. >> Oh, okay. But if you if they're school sponsored and sanctioned then you have to ask people. So Randy okay can I but like one of the reasons why sports want to do this is because the school takes care of hiring the coaches organizing the busing and then you compete can compete on the high school level versus like the Glacier Twins baseball team can't compete against other high school teams because it's not so if we had a swim team that wasn't like the White Fish High School swim team they can't they're not under like the MHSA. So, it's a hard conversation. I'm not but there are some there are

044reasons why the sport wants to come in and be underneath the school's umbrella and that's why they come in knowing they can't get the funding because then it allows for like high school competition versus like a club. >> So, there's not a lacrosse for example is not >> it is it isn't sponsored. Yeah. Yeah. But then if they came but then that would be another thing they'd have to do contract and then but then you could compete but you know then that's up to the board if we're like we want to take another one of these on because >> it's very tricky and then you get a lot of people get upset because there'sn't funded and then >> do fundraising. >> Yeah. But there isn't enough budget to cover all the scripts that get really

045tricky. It's really tricky. It gets kind of unique state by state. Yeah. I don't know how like it's surpris anyway when I talk to other people in other districts and they're surprised like oh they just assume that this is fully funded by the school because there you know in some places >> right a lot of it has to do with when it was established it's established long ago and the funding was put in long ago then that funding seems to continue but if it's a if it's newly brought to us in the last several years and the budget doesn't have for it. >> Are there any other clarifying questions on this thing? Public comment back to the board for further discussion or a motion. >> I move we accept accept that contract with the with

046the change in moved by Jerry and seconded by Rainey. All in favor? I have a quick question for Shannon. Can you Shannon, can you go back and agend? So, let's say we had a student report. >> She was here. >> What can I What do we do in that instance? >> I think you'd be okay. >> Just not a vote I have against people on. >> Okay. So, we're good. I'm gonna put You're totally fine at 6:30. You're >> totally fine. >> I thought it was really weird that everyone want it. You can do it now or we can do it after the next one. >> You want to do it right now? >> We also don't want to hold you hostage the rest of the meeting. >> No, you're totally >> Go for it.

047You're okay. I'll start with high school. Um, as for winter activities and sports, um, speech bait is defending their state champion title for the second year in a row. >> Congratulations. >> Swimming state is happening this weekend at Great Falls and wrestling divisionals are also taking place this weekend in Dylan. And then following up will be state buildings next weekend. Um basketball is awaiting divisional men and state that's happening in March. Um but as for basketball, we just had the cross town game against Se Falls JV and varsity boys and girls. Um there was a spirit week held on um the Thursday or I'm sorry the yes the Thursday right before the Friday game to kind of boost attendance and school spirit. Um it was yeah sort of a there we had a pep assembly

048and we also had like dress up days. Um there was a math competition assembly wheelbarrow racing basketball musical chairs and other um events and commercial events to kind of boost the attendance. Um there was 100 free tickets being handed out um for the attendance of the games. I think if you didn't have an activity pass and there's also cookies and cupcakes and pizza provided for the first 100 students at the boys and girls game. Wow. >> And little white uh handkerchiefs with the the there's like a green and gold W on it. So those are pretty cool because it was white out. Um yeah, it was a really good crowd and I think it was like definitely needed for our student body. So that was fun. Um as for last weekend, DECA happened and it

049was super successful. Um 85 students win, 45 of those uh earned recognition by placing top eight or six in their events and six people who placed in multiple events and there are 11 students that are going to nationals this year which is really exciting. um drama club which is happening upstairs is um making a production of Broadway come to life. I think there's the yeah the matinea for student body is on Tuesday and then I think they perform Wednesday, Thursday, Friday which is pretty exciting. Um the MSU space consortium is visiting the Whitefish High School soon meeting with Earth science classes throughout the day. Um there will be a Big Sky documentary film festival next week. Miss Brit, our librarian is bringing that to the high school. Um science Olympiad is headed to Boseman pre-closing

050avalanche training soon and there is assembly on the last Friday of the month called imagine believe and achieve which is foundation happening. Um now I'll read the report from the elementary school. Um, middle of the year testing is over. Today, Moldown celebrated its 100th day, first day of school. Many of the staff and students celebrated by dressing up like they were 100 years old. >> As one student put it, like Mr. This week is kindness week at hold out. Every day there's a new kindness challenge and a dress up theme that goes along with it. Um culminating this week with the Valentine's Day theme on Friday. On March 5th, there is the second annual bingo night for families at 5 to 6:30. Bingo, food and drinks are available, fun for everyone. Um, and Muldown celebrated

051the end of testing day with an all school assembly. This is a way of celebrating all the hard work staff and students are doing to show middle school report. Um today there was the fifth and sixth and seventh and eighth grade spelling bee. Uh the eighth grade student representing Whitefish Middle School at Flathead County spelling be on Friday or sorry February 23rd. Um the Whitefish Middle School student council continues to achieve with the school and students. They're running their annual day fundraising event. This Friday, February 13th, the student council will be delivering Valentine's Day cards to students, celebrating friendship. Next Friday, February 20th, student council is hosting the neon dance for the seventh and eighth graders. We also starting to make preparations for the White Fish Middle School talent show that will be taking place

052in March. Um, last week graders participated in NAB testing school. >> Our school received many compliments from the NA test coordinators and how well behaved and respectable the students are. From the seventh and eighth grade, girls basketball teams are in the middle of their season and are experiencing success. Later this month, later this month, the eighth grade students will be receiving information from White Pitch High School about registering for their freshman year. Also, the seventh and eighth grade students will have a special guest come >> Luke Swessen presenting a resiliency message to them during an assembly during an assembly. This assembly is in partnership with the school district and the nation foundation. We're very grateful for their support. All in all, the first half of the school year has been successful and we're ready for

053a great second. Awesome. >> Thank you. Any questions? >> I just want to say I love the idea of a midyear pep rally, you know, like in the fall kind of everyone's geared up and excited and then it's just like so I think it's fabulous. >> I'm sure it's a big student council initiative and obviously Mr. Dr. how they weren't a part of that, you know. I just think it's great to >> Yeah. super fun for everyone's morale and also for those sports that are happening mid year to show them some really successful attendance. We were kind of struggling with that. >> Good job on giving away free pizza dance. >> Thank you. I apologize again. No worries. Okay. So, we'll get back on. We'll move to F, which is the community engagement plan with

054Mr. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, um in front of you, this is part of our strategic plan as component of it. And so, that's why um we'll have to change the date. >> I'm not a date thing. I don't >> uh but that's one area I didn't highlight. But the only thing I highlight is just some areas that we've discussed in the past about updating this plan a little bit. So one component is the community engagement meetings that used to say K12 connect and had a frequency time I think three times a year connected them that way. I just modified it to call them WSD community engagement meetings. Um and I hate it. But same kind of concept, you know, it be topic driven, but if there's a topic that we would like to address,

055stakeholders and >> night on here, >> excuse me, >> night. >> I don't have that. >> I think there might be on there. Let me say um building tour conversations is the next >> and I it just didn't you know we didn't get a lot of participants there. I just don't know if it's the best strategy for engagement. >> You know I highlighted one because it used to say three. Um you could do something like that one time a year but they already do a little bit of that. You know bring people into the building. I don't know if the tour concept is catching on, >> right? Because it kind of goes down with the next one with family night, right? >> Yeah, exactly. We do have family nights and things like that and schools

056and opportunities for parents to come in and the high school has that visit for I think and things like that opportunities to go talk through the entire building like that. So that's one thought I had is that we could probably cross that one out as a and replace it with some more community engagement meetings or some other activities or more family nights and things like that. Um and then you can see at the bottom I added the white school district which >> I highly recommend because I that was a great opportunity to engage with the community. had a lot of questions about the district, not just the bond, what we're doing, how we're doing things. Question, great questions, you know, and feedback. Great opportunity, I think. And it gets you outside, moving around. I would

057spend time walking kind of down the street ahead of time, have conversations with people. It's a great opportunity to have conversation with community. I'm sure there are other ways to do that, too. You we've talked about in the past. We had a coffee meeting with the superintendent or something like that coffee shop. That's another >> But these are made some minor changes to it. >> Oh, we don't this isn't an action discussion. >> Um, yeah, I have a couple of questions. Mhm. >> One I was just wondering so under Moldown it's WMS family night but under WHS it talks about like the newsletters and I think I know WMS I'm sure Muldown probably is also putting out a newsletter >> as what >> do you guys send out a newsletter like a monthly newsletter. Do

058we want to put that under that um instead of family like you know so it's similar to kind of like what the high school's doing that's not going to be the exact same but a little bit closer. So under moldown or WMS family night, but then the next one is WHS parent and student meetings, common newsletters and school visits, >> but moldown and WMS also send out newsletters. >> And since this is a community engagement, we're talking about format is just funny that it's not consistent. >> Make them similar. >> Yeah, just make them similar because um >> Yeah. Um, >> and just say newsletters because they do send out newsletters every month and they're really really helpful I think as a parent. Um, and then my other question just thinking about like going forward

059so like we don't have to make changes to this every year if we don't want to instead of at the top versus 2425 family and community engagement plan. What if we just say it's the White Fish School District family and community engagement plan at the bottom we put like the last time it was updated >> because it might not change every year. I'm just trying to think if there'sation I'm just >> say when we update it because right now it looks like that we're not using the 2526 right again it's like we're really behind the >> I think you're right I think you're right >> and then at the bottom they updated >> I think it must any other question. >> Yeah. >> Well, I have a question. It says um mold down or W

060family nights uh two times per year in K8. Does that mean one time in each building? Does it mean two times in each building? What does that mean? >> You know, this is a guide for but I think it's two times per year in K. So each building >> we have one. >> Well, no, we have >> two each. So, has Moan already had one? Because March is kind of late to have one if they're gonna have a second. >> I don't know. We had an open house. >> Oh, open house is considered. >> Yeah, that's the only other open house and conferences. >> Well, but you could have a math night or you have, you know, a family night of some sort >> or bingo, which people >> Yeah. So, no, I think that's

061a great point, but I think they do. >> Okay, that's why it says >> I just had a question about the how to measure and I know I'm sure this has to be on there, but it's so awkward. Um because truly like under white school channels for communication, how to measure measure frequency of sharing document with families. Like are we somehow then held accountable to track how many times each of you shared this document with the families for the channel communication? So if we held accountable to are you following this engagement plan? Show me the number of times you shared the document with the families. I'm just wondering if we should be a little more vague for how to measure because that seems like we are measuring something that I don't think we probably are

062measuring. I'm guessing or like number of emails read in press releases like are we measuring that like is there a way we're tracking people reading these emails? I don't think there is. So we're not actually measuring that. We do. >> So you get that matrix or metrics back for like >> every time we send an email tells us how many people read it, how many people it >> Okay. >> So So we I mean do we keep track of it in matrix and looked at it? No. But >> okay, >> but we do kind of look at those information just for feedback. Um, but we could >> I totally understand what you're saying in here. I'm just saying I didn't want it to come back and bite us if we're not like able to somehow

063magically pull, >> you know, then like whatever cuz I have no idea like you said what kind of like we need to do this foration, guys. Like I don't >> It's just that you have ways to look at how you're progressing and these are I don't think they aren't going to ask us for numbers. >> Okay. Okay. It's just kind of an idea for us to guide us. One way we could measure how we're doing with communication is how many people are opening our I don't think it requires us to do so. >> Okay. >> Are there any other clarifying questions? Is there any public comment on this item? >> I have public comment as a newcomer to the district. I'm wondering if you could parallel something like the freshman orientation as a WSD orientation

064that is to welcome new parents and students to the school district at all levels. Um and and a partnership with the FIT could also be an avenue by which to accomplish this. So the school district could have a piece and the FIT could have a piece in terms of pairing up families with with um students in the same grades or the same schools. I've seen this in in other places where I've lived um and I've heard other newcomers to the district talk about finding it difficult to make a connection especially before school starts and as school is starting. Um, so it's really helpful for new kids. And I guess it could also be extended throughout the year, but particularly at the beginning. Um, and this meets the strategic plan of being a safe, welcoming, and

065inclusive school district. And it's also something in the HR office that we're working on for staff. So, we have an orientation and then a sort of follow-up discussion, a mentor program, all those kind of things. So, it's it's a similar type of rubric, but just to um have a more formalized structure for attaching newcomers to the district's students and parents to existing um families and also just staff and resources >> for your consideration. Thank you to the board for further discussion. May >> I go ahead? Just wanted to mention that the f the back to school bash and we provide family resources and things like that. I think you could do a combination at that. So you can even have like new presentation to new new people to the white school district as well as

066attending school because you're doing family resources that >> when we were new um it was an out school for my kids and they did exactly what Sarah was talking about. It wasn't formalized, but the counselor invited all the new families before the school year began. >> So, we all got to meet each other, have lunch, and then she just went over the norms of the school and if you're not happy, here's who to talk to. And then also gave everybody a buddy that was new and also a buddy that was established. So, you knew on the first day that your kiddo had somebody to have recess with, somebody to have lunch with, but it wasn't formalized. So, maybe something like that formalized wouldn't be its own separate. I got to tell you, it made such

067a big difference. It >> was a really big deal. So, >> yes, >> a mentorship program. >> Yeah. It was awesome. It was mentorship program. >> In second grade. It was just It was really sweet. It was so fun. >> It's hard to drop your kid off at a new school. So, just some formatting things that beep in. Um, I don't believe that we need a dot ahead of all of the item categories, black dots. That could be removed. And the very bottom on the first page, how to measure should be consistent >> over >> and there's a double dot. You know what else is part of your engagement plan you don't have that's going so well your emergency contact like on the blackout day that's really good that >> was maybe an additional engagement

068>> yeah because I was thinking about that too that's a great way toate Any other discussion on that? >> Is there a motion on this? >> I move we approve with the amendments. I'll second it. Okay. So moved by Darcy and second by Jerry. All in favor? >> Are the amendments clear? probably the one that I think would be the new >> Yeah, maybe that would be something we could talk about too, right? >> Yeah, I don't think I would support putting that in here and approving this and not read not reading what that >> Yeah, exactly. >> If you want to bring back an amended, >> you're probably gonna have to have your counselor just tell the counselor do it. Does it have to be in there for this year? I mean, could you

069try it without more than >> Yeah. Just direction. Would you like me to bring it back just to make >> a would be to add the emergency cont. >> Sure. and we can bring it back and amend it later. >> You could just share your status update on where you're at with that conversation. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I got that. That one's easy. >> All right. We will look at G, which is the school district, city of Whitefish joint facility use agreement. >> Okay, so this is an annual agreement as well. Um, and this time of year is pretty good because actually this does get into the spring activities and sharing some of our area. So this is something we do each year. Um, it lists the shared facilities and what the city of

070Bish will utilize in our facilities and what we will utilize in their facilities. It includes tennis courts and memorial armory buildings. I mean, all kinds of things that we work together on and share. And they also utilize the gymnasium now, the middle school bods and things like that. summer Friday night ski snowboard if there's snow. So, and then what what we've added here in recent years is that end list here where it lists some dates and these are just guiding dates. We you know sometimes we don't make this perfectly but there guides on when these things will be available and when we'll need them and things like that. So this has been reviewed by our administrators, activities director as well and and then also the city of Whitefish all been thoroughly review >> to go

071after the signing date. >> Oh yeah. >> Yeah. bit of a difference with security. >> Are there any clarifying questions on this item? >> Okay, back to the I mean uh is there any public comment on this item? >> Okay, back to the board for further discussion or a motion. And we move we approve as presented. >> Second. Okay. So, moved by Darcy and seconded by Quincy. All in favor? >> I know. >> Okay. So, H is personnel recommendations for hire with Mr. Means. >> Okay. First of all, an apology there was we don't have the attachment that was sent like we typically do. So, I apologize for that. Um, I think we're still getting the hang of this new program a little bit. Missed that there wasn't the attachment in there, but I have

072it in front of me, so I'll read from it and let you know regarding each recommendation for hire. Um, the summer jump start coordinator recommended. We had two applicants, number of finalists um were one to meet a certain criteria for that position. The interview team was myself, Lisa Bloom, Sarah Miller, and Kelly Miller. Um and a recommendation for hire for D. And then the next one is the custodian position and that was the fulltime position. Eight applicants three finalists Mr. Drum, Mr. Brand Lton and Adam Roie where I know that that interview and recommendation for hire Jones and then the next one is the custodian full-time at WMS and there were eight applicants three finalists in the same interview team and that recommendation for hire con you can see the substitutes You might see something.

073>> Are there any clarifying questions on this item? Any public comments on this item? Back to the board for further discussion or a motion. I move we approve. Second. Okay. Moved by Darcy and seconded by Rainey. All in favor? Okay. Uh we will move on to I Mr. Means. >> Okay. Yeah. This is a teacher leave of absence request. And so this is the point where um we look at this absence request that the board looks at this absence request and board chair makes a determination whether or not we need to go into executive session. >> Okay. Uh so as a presiding officer of this school board, I'm calling this meeting to executive session for the purposes of individual privacy. We are now uh leaving close session and are back into open session. Um is

074there any public comment on this agenda item? So uh back to the board for a motion. Move approved. >> I'll second that. Moved by Katie and seconded by Darcy. All in favor we will be moving on a report. Okay. Okay. Uh so we'll start with administrator announcements. I believe Mr. D has come up some information. Hello. Hello. >> Hello. >> Oh, there we go. >> Got some force behind it. Hold on. >> Um, little different kind of report tonight. If you're around me uh for very long, one thing you're going to hear me say is there's more to every story. Um I'm always fascinated by how information can swirl. Uh and many times the longer it swirls, the further it moves away from the original version. Uh so I thought it might help to provide

075some clarity about something I feel very strongly about uh academic rigor and specifically rigor with purpose and balance. Uh so when I first came to Whitefish High School in 2012, we had four AP classes. Today we're offering 15. And I think that alone says a lot about how much we value strong academics and opportunities for our students. Uh I want to clear something up. Uh I know some folks have been wondering about. Um there is not a set limit on how many AP classes a student can take. There's no hard cap. These decisions are made on an individual basis because every student is different. We absolutely believe in our AP program. We believe in rigor. We want students to challenge themselves and stretch their learning. And at the same time, we're really thoughtful about making

076sure students aren't just loading up their schedules or just checking boxes, but are actually putting themselves in a position to be successful both now and later. Our goal is for every student to be college and career ready. We talk about it regularly and that looks different for different kids. We also believe strongly in helping students maintain a healthy balance between academics, extracurriculars, and their personal lives. College Board guidance lines up with that. College Board rep recently shared that three AP classes at a time can be a pretty heavy load for most students. But they they're also very clear that there's no magic number. What matters more is readiness, interest, and balance. And that's why we offer a lot of different AP options so students can take classes they're genuinely interested in and feel confident that

077they can do well in. It's also why our counselors spend a lot of time talking with students and families, helping them think through what really makes sense. We also value the incredible opportunities available through FBCC and we believe those should absolutely be part of the conversation when students are deciding on their course loads. So at the end of the day, this is really about doing right by our kids, challenging them, supporting them, and helping them grow with confidence. That's what guides the decisions we make at Whitefish High School. So like Paul Harvey said, >> and now you know the rest of the building. So, I want to share that a little bit because I I know that our counselors have been having some conversations, you know, following that meeting with our with the college board

078rep and um they start to hear this number three like I read right here. And if you walk away with he said three, I did, but what's the rest of the context? And I think that I wanted to share that at least um so that you're equipped so that if you get questions um it shows that people care about their academics. I think that's marvelous. >> Yeah, >> that's wonderful. And so, you know, our hope is to, you know, work with individuals and help them set up their pathway with whatever course load suits them and keep stretching them. So, that was my administrative report. happy to answer any questions or >> do um I was wondering actually just thinking about like do you think a block schedule allows for kids to maybe take more be

079more maybe possibly more comfortable taking more AP because there's like the longer block of time you have the day in between. Um did the college board did the reps say anything about that? Are they very I mean I'm sure they other schools that are on the block schedule but I wonder if that changes it for our students a little bit. >> I think you could be on to something there. Um I shared with maybe a couple of you on a tour. I don't think all of you when the college rep visited here um from California the regional person for this area. They were sent here um strate deliberately um because they said Whitefish has popped up on our radar. I was sent here to figure out what you guys are doing because you are a

080small school offering a significant number of courses. A a significant number of your kids are taking them and their performance on the tests. Um so he came up and like what's going on here? How do you guys do this? So the block might be a part of that. >> This changes the college. >> Yeah. Changes a little bit for learning capacity or something else. very well could. >> So, another question, Carrie. Um, with these AP classes, I know traditionally freshmen do not take them. However, does this means that a freshman who had all the qualifications, if the parents and the counselors decided that that child was able to take I wouldn't see them taking more than one maybe, but u does that mean that a freshman could also u be eligible to take a class?

081>> That's a great question. Uh we we added preap a couple years back. Um, and that's specifically for freshmen and it's the introduction to the kind of demands that a that an AP course is going to require. Um, we haven't had that level of conversation about other freshman courses, you know, um, and if that's the case, is there a preap that happens somewhere earlier or differently, you know, that sets them up for that? I don't know. >> I don't know. But I just at one time I remember um I think Jackie Gardner and and Lisa worked on making requirements for different classes and and I don't know even know what the requirements are but in there could be a special circumstance where there might be a freshman who might be ready to take one. I

082don't know. >> I don't know either. Um I think it would take some work to dig into that a little deeper. Um I do believe in you know every kid's different. Yep. >> Right. Doogie Hower. >> We're individualizing and personalizing their education >> and get them to what they need. >> Yeah. >> So, um I'm meeting with the AP teachers. Uh let's see, it's a week from tomorrow. We're trying to um sharpen up some of our uh communications and answer a lot of questions through uh we're calling it the one pager. I don't know if it's going to fit on one page, but >> yeah. So, it's uh so we're working on that and and we're working on um they talked about having a from the AP staff a parent student informational session evening >>

083to to be able to answer a lot of the questions. You know, I think there's just you do it or you don't, but you don't necessarily get all the information in between. So to directly address the buzz. >> Yeah. >> The buzz that I've heard circulating is that three is the magic number just like you said. Um and if you're wanting to take more than three then you have to justify the fourth class or the fifth class. Is that true? Or you have to get special foundation. Is that >> the case before? But so this is a new thing that's >> that part that part is is probably the new part that set people off a little bit. Um, to be honest with you, we talked about how do you how do we vet that?

084How do we, you know, if three is the number and and there there lots of students that could take four and be successful at it, but how do we know that's the rest? That's the good thing for them right now. They just get on the computer and they can sign up for whatever they want, >> right? >> Um, a straight D student could technically sign up for seven AP classes, >> unless they don't meet the prerequisite, right? >> And yeah, there you go. But if they're qualified to take sub classes, then currently they can sign up for seven classes. >> Y So is there a new change where now you can't do that? >> So we talked about a form, we talked about, you know, the terms that you probably heard application, petition, whatever those

085things are. We talked about that and we decided that at least at this junction, nothing's been decided, you know, much more than this, but at least at this junction is is that after the students sign up that we can run a report and see who signed up for four or five AP classes, then the counselors can review that with them and their family and say, "Okay, we see this, you know, have you thought about FBCC? We we notice that you didn't put any running start in there. just kicking it around to see if you that is something that it does interest you or um are you in every single activity that's out there and you're on student council and you're the president of this and the president of that and the DECA and can you

086manage? We want you to be healthy. Every year we have kids in tears. We have kids requesting to drop classes because they sounded good in the spring and then the reality hit. So, how do we how do we connect those dots and help people make the best decision for themselves but also live a happy life? >> So, I hear you say there's no limit, but there may be some discussion registered more >> have some conversations and guidance around >> that's what a guidance counselor's for. Yep. >> Which actually is my question as someone who's not in high school. Um, and I get these questions. I don't know. And you mentioned the individual decisions making. What does that look like? Like if you're a parent, it's just wondering like what does that look like to come

087up with the pathway does the counselor meet with just whether you're transfer student who's a sophomore or an incoming freshman like they just sit down and say here's your four-year plan here are your options like what guidance what does that look like? >> Does that make sense? Is it counselor that's your person or how does I I >> we start that conversation here in a couple weeks. I think Carmelo or somebody was mentioning that we're going to, you know, that come over meet with the eighth graders. >> The registration handbook has a lot of that information in a >> handbook. >> Yeah. So, you can see all the different courses. You can see the different pathways. You can start mapping kind of your plan for four years. If I take this here, that means I

088can take that there and then this is might be what my senior year looks like. And it's not it's not engraved in stone, but it's >> you start to get a lay of the land rather than >> see what sticks or my best friends taking that so I'm going to take that. >> So there's like a vehicle. There's a >> but and there. >> Are you saying that that the a counselor does not meet with each child individually? >> Uh they go into the classes. So no, they don't meet with them individually. um they meet. So they go into classes here at the or the middle school. They have some conversation. They explain some things. They start to get them familiarized. Um we have parent night for the eighth grade parents and students to come

089in that that have questions so that we can answer further questions um this spring here that's coming up in the latter part of the month. Um but no, they don't meet with every individual student. That's interesting because when I was going through school with 2500 kids, you met with your counselor as a freshman individually and talked about a four-year plan as an individual and talked about what college requirements were. And I just assumed that's what was happening here because I did that a lot of years ago >> in in a very big school. >> Yeah. And I don't know I don't know what that ratio is. You know we have two counselors that split the alphabet in half. >> So they have >> you know >> 75 >> three well they of a particular grade.

090>> Yeah. >> Well probably my class >> is what you're saying that the four APS or five APS kids they will have individual meetings with their parents and >> Yep. that we will >> be with the highest shapers, but not every >> I'm just saying that that's that's how we're trying to bet that end of it, >> right? >> If >> I think they >> I don't know what they're I don't know what other conversations they have. I don't I don't follow my individual questions. I haven't quite again kind of like I don't really know. Is there like can you go on teacher recommendations? So like if a eighth grader is coming up and the history teacher like I recommend this student is exceptional. >> Absolutely. That's an important part of the information. Absolutely. Excellent.

091Yeah. >> I totally change well not totally changing but I do think that's going to AP and I just was wondering um if you could you and I have had some conversations and maybe just update the board. We've talked about bladed GPA and possibly but just where's that process at? I can't, you know, we talked about it briefly, but >> yeah, >> we just we've been chatting about >> it kind of it kind of was directly tied with the National Honor Society um because the National Honor Society has a a constitution and they um within that we have set a um a GPA requirement uh I think it's 3 I want to say 875. um it's pretty high >> and so the um so it started with that because if you change to a different

092grading scale then it has a direct influence on that so you couldn't separate the two. So, um, the National Honor Society staff council, it's a designated staff council. It's in the constitution. They are the governing body of the National Honor Society. They have met on a couple different occasions here recently and reviewed the Constitution in relation to the National Constitution to make sure it was in alignment. Number one, and that and we can have stricter requirements. And so they reviewed all of that and made a decision that they're not going to change the GPA requirement based upon um the fact that our actually our National Honors Society um has an extremely high number of members right now. We have 80 something members and a school our size is typically down in the teens or 20s

093>> 15. It's and so you take percentage of your overall population and that's kind of there there's a sweet spot of what should represent the National Honor Society. So that number did not change. So we stuck with that. Um the weighted GPA that's connected with that that's a further conversation with the AP teachers when I meet next week. >> There was some conversations. >> Um there's a lot of reticence around it just to be honest with you. >> Um can I say one thing? >> Yeah. I think it's amazing how much the AP program has grown. >> I think that is to your credit to your AP credit. >> I think the the scope of offerings that Whitefish High School provides >> is really awesome. So, thank you for doing that very much. And I

094also want to say I think it's really great that the schedule is set up in a way that they can go to FBCC and they can have internships and like we've really thought through a lot of these things. I also think it's important to recognize that yes, taking four AP classes is hard or fun. But also, and I think you'll agree, harp is sometimes good. And as a parent, I have a kid who at the beginning of the school year was like, "Oh my gosh, this is too much." And it was really, she cried. It was overwhelming. But then she she learned she could do it. Naturally overcoming what was hard built a lot of confidence. Much like kids who do two sports like that's a lot of school to miss and we don't say

095like oh you got to talk to your you know like we don't create obstacles for kids to take it to the next step. What we do is we provide the support for them to meet hard challenges which means when they go to a even harder college or career they have that infrastructure that grit those skills to call us. So I think it's to our credit that we have really rigorous options available and that we even when kids are struggling that it's not okay drop it right it's like okay come into flex time we have this whole structure to really support kids to be successful >> um and I think that that's something to be really proud of. >> Yep. Yep. >> Absolutely. >> Yeah. and and as we keep growing the and we have grown

096with this program, we've learned a lot, you know, we've learned about a lot about the the other skills that are necessary for them to be successful beyond the content, right? Some of those other things you just so >> um anyway. >> All right. >> Yeah. And certainly your programming, the things you're saying right now about AP, but I can't help but reflect upon the other conversations we've had to about like you said the high this is this is certain kind of kid we're talking about, but also um the kids who like we just learned are doing the avalanche training for free or whatever or getting their welding certificate like they have their path too and I think >> yeah I think it's just really important and there's lots of y >> so that's I think

097that really because it's as a school our size you could have one path Like that's English test. >> If anyone ask if anyone asked me one of the greatest things that we have it going for us, it's that it's we have something for everyone. >> We have pathways for each of those >> and alternatives outside of that too. >> So yeah, >> Thank you very much. Sorry, >> all right. Now we'll move on to trustee announcements. Um so uh I think first the survey timeline um David I been speaking to uh Darlene um about the she's going to do the communication survey again we want consistency and we want it to look very similar last year so we can actually compare um data >> and I don't think we we've discussed a timeline I might

098have or for that would be I think we did briefly discuss it where it would be near the end of the year. April. >> Yeah. >> End of April. >> Do you have any other >> that was the suggestion? >> Yeah. >> Uh just to be kind of consistent with the other one but a little bit earlier than the last time we did it. So it could be reviewed at the end of the year, right? If people go and over the summer in preparation again for the fall. That's the concept share there. and distressing consistency with the one from left just because we don't want it to be a complete like different >> see not only with questions but time >> right the admin because I know we put the team under stress last year

099when we did it have been made but April's good to >> we talked to them >> I have not talked to them about any of this yet >> I think it's important feedback to get out to deliver it and then take action based on >> I do think I think the idea would be again it's a great opportunity to briefly kind of share that was that in the spring >> but move into further discussions >> all yeah I thought I mean >> maybe it was unexpected >> but I had not had that conversation with that I guess so hearing for the first time >> so I just heard from about the school uh PBIS school climate surveys today. Um and one of the suggestions was to wait till after spring break for those um here.

100>> Any thoughts on that? >> Well, that's kind of our mental health survey, isn't it? >> The PBS. >> It is basically >> So, I'm just wondering if we wait until after spring break, are we really getting a reflective answer about how people are feeling >> by then? They're all >> f happy because they just last for a week when really the hardest time is between, you know, it's a pretty tough time. Yeah. Like January and March. So, I'm wondering if maybe that's not the best idea for really trying to gauge mental health. >> Pre-spring break I think is probably maybe a little bit more like >> Yeah. >> or like middle of March, you know? I don't know. I just I don't know if like after spring break is really a I mean I'm

101going to have a much different survey if you give it to me a March 13th than if you give it to me on April 13. I think for that reason the only thing that what's important is that we're consistent. Right. So that we have to benchmark that. >> Right. Right. >> But we could switch it now for future years. If we're going to do one in they come back to late April already do another one in April. But one's just for staff. >> We only do one. >> Yeah. But it still takes time as >> something I'm not I mean I don't really have like a strong opinion on it. I just think it's something to consider. >> Oh January >> if we're worried about mental health then it might be worth >> things are

102going to probably go south this time of year. I just like the I like spacing them out by at least a month because of the feedback we got last time we do space out. >> Yes. >> Awesome. Okay, >> I'm just trying to think of the time to vote for it right after that consideration. >> It's a school climate service, so it's not necessarily, but it does get really strong at first. It's just >> I do think the time needs fake though, too, because if we're doing one in April, we're doing one right after. >> It's health fun has like officials and it's every other year. Oh, that one's not up. >> Next year, I believe >> it's about a mental health. >> Well, we do have a there's a mental health, >> that's a

103whole another topic. Mental health screening that's that we're exploring doing again. >> It's a depression screening like that seven to eight through high school. We're running into some challenges that we may we're looking at some potential other. The new legislation requires people to opt in to >> opt out. You have to opt in. >> Yeah. To opt into it. Then it doesn't it's not really a screener anymore because it you don't have everybody the whole population. >> Yeah. You may get less than half the population doing a instrument and then what is it? It's something else. Yeah. Well, and more than likely we get people opting out who should have taken it. >> And there are other screeners that are based on >> characteristics of self concept and things like that that are good at

104screening out. It's more of a traditional screener giving you information. It's not going to tell you whether or not someone characteristics of depression, but he gives you some information. Those could be an opt out. It's the screening of depression with the other options. >> The YBSS >> there. >> Yeah. The youth risk behavior. That's the one that tells you behaviorally if things are getting >> better or worse. Okay. So, do we still want to try and have it increase? >> I don't care. Like I said, I just want to talk. >> I just want to space out. >> Oh, I hear so because of I thought it was solid feedback by everybody last year. There was survey fatigue. We thought it impacted people's responses. and how and if it did respond at all, you know,

105engaged with it. So that's all I care about. >> I even if it's not the same population doing the surveys, it's >> the same people are processing it all. >> Before we make that that decision, there's one other survey where there's a CNA serve. >> Yeah, that's what >> and there's a question whether or not you want to do that this year. I think that was brought up for two months. So that's another thing to talk about that's that was going to be changed to be more in line with the strategic plan at least the measure of how it progress you know that can be done every three years or two years or whatever >> I just think there was survey >> I was the and do it. >> Yes. >> Dave growing >> bump

106the CNA which we won't it probably will be called that >> something strategic plans >> Next year. Okay. >> So then if you go back to then this year >> we just let the two >> because you have two then that makes it a little bit easier to make this separation. So what what do you think? Um, I think we could either do it after spring break right away and then one at the end of April or spring. >> Yeah, another firework. Let's do >> Okay. Okay. >> Right after spring break April >> and then got that will give us time. We're about to do a principal survey here with so >> Yeah, that's true. >> So, give us time for that. And then >> the other information I we're discussing uh cancelling the February

107work session as a lot of the items that were going to be on that probably are not going to be ready for that meeting and plus we have everyone are you comfortable everyone comfortable with that? I really >> meeting. >> Okay. Um, any other trustee announcer? >> Yeah, I just wanted to acknowledge the um communication around the power outage. >> Yeah. Um, I thought that u what I really appreciated as um a parent >> was we got the initial one that said we're aware of the power outage. You will get an update at 6:30 and at 6:30 another update came and I just thought it was so great to let people know what to expect and when to expect that next. they weren't like worried or checking or wondering when I was going to come

108and you know it just I thought that was really great to give a definitive of like this is when we're going to check back in and I thought it worked really well for the people who rarely got it. Um and um I know some kids still showed up to school so in the dark but anyways I thought it was I thought it was great and I really appreciated the the deadline that Ben gave and gave to families. So thank you. >> Those have come a long way. That was huge. So, thank you. >> Yes. Yes. >> Yes. Much better. >> You're getting this. Your power is not out. >> Well, charged. >> I do have to say one thing too that that those are challenging things to work fairly. A lot of things happen at

109the same time. You have to do it as a team. So, >> I know I pick up the phone at 4:30 in the morning and call Mr. Brley. He'll wake up. >> Thanks for having your phones on, guys. And so that's pretty uh he we worked through from that time on all the way through that morning. Uh Mr. Drs. was I call long after 5 a.m. to get his support. Pete was involved in all those decisions as well. So it's definitely a team effort putting our heads together trying to figure out how to communicate. >> That's was a example of success I think for sure. So very good. Thank you. And then obviously we working with the bus company and I mean that's a lot of things to organize. >> Well, you were working with

110bus. We were talking to our uh food services department. We were talking to Chad who Smith is on site in about 4:30. We're talking to the county superintendent, all the preschools in town, private schools and only Bissell and all the super. >> Well, yeah, that's great. just a lot of communication in the background >> and then it's really nice to have folks like Mr. friends that are so skilled. >> You must be a morning person, Josh. >> Wakes up easily. >> All right. Any other announcements? >> Okay. So, we'll move to superintendent announcements. >> Um, yes. Okay. So, just highlight highlighted interestingly there a little different. It's the whole format. stiff. >> It is stiff. I know. Yeah. >> Um so yeah, so of course all the upcoming meetings, events, and important dates have gone

111over so well. You have calendars there click on. Um >> I ask you a question about calendar. Um seems like I saw something fly by that on the 5th and 6th of March we are doing interviews. I have the piece of paper next to my computer and I wasn't It's not on a Google calendar. >> It's not It won't be confirmed probably till Thursday night. >> Oh, that's why it's okay. That's That's >> a tentative schedule. That's a tent. Very >> good. >> Okay. Thanks. Saturday weekend >> um possible >> and so there is one last I wanted to share u mark transportation we have been discussing with them extending their contracts we've had some of discussions about aligning those contracts so uh in terms of the activities and school bus transportation well so they

112uh the school bus transportation is coming to an end and I think go ahead vice vers >> transportation is coming to an end school bus has one year we're trying to align them same >> just it's an addendum for each to extend them so we bring towards consideration it would include the financial amounts increases as well that has to be annual no matter what but we are considering train for the school board those contracts. You saw that. All right. And then see enrollment updates. You can click on enrollment. There is a lot of fluctuation. You can see pretty amazing. in February. We're down a little bit further, but we're also, as you can see, main is that 18 and then 27, but all over country and valley and different areas. So, it's interesting to see

113that that fluctuation continues. >> And it's an interesting time for that. We're finishing up our count. So watching that very closely for our budgeting purposes >> that becoming our next board meeting. >> And can I just comment on that a little bit or ask you Dave and not to put you on the spot but this is a great example of what >> Sarah had brought up um about onboarding new families >> so it doesn't just happen in the fall you know. So I guess as we look at that conversation, what does that look like for families to come here? Like 18 you enroll these >> and look at how many are in K through five, K through four, you know, that's just a lot. So I just I think that's a great conversation to have

114like it shouldn't exist at just one certain time of the year. It should look something we can, you know, that's just >> that's a great point >> as we look at that different topic but relates to this. >> Yeah. Any other comments and questions? And then we have our resignations here. See the list of resignations as well as retirements as well. >> We will be opening some positions soon. See those open. >> Okay. the director of business agencies. >> Thank you. Greetings from the business department. >> Yes. >> Uh I'll begin my uh my presentation with with uh a few words uh regard in regards to the May 5th election. uh February 9th, yesterday was deadline for uh filing declaration of intent uh to declare uh candidacy for university candidates. And I'm happy to announce

115that we have four candidates for our three open seats uh two incumbents, Jerry Boxich and Sheron Hansen. and that we have uh two firsttime uh candidates uh from the community, Gloria Nelson and Karen Hilding. So those four names will appear on the ballot. Um I'm very happy with the new um uh as you know with the new timeline and with the new deadlines uh as far as elections go. Um having uh the uh deadline dresses uh this early gives everybody much more time to prepare the ballots and print them and get them ready for the machines and everything else. You may remember that before uh the deadline uh for candidacy for candidate filing was the last day of spring break. So then you only had six weeks between uh the deadline and the actual election

116when everything had to be turned. >> So that was um it it was a sign significant effort. So now uh I think it gives the uh floodhead county election department much more time and as we know the more time we have to do things we're less prone to errors. U so that's that's that's um uh our financial report uh I don't want to say looks pretty boring but uh there's nothing really out of the ordinary for this time of the year. Uh we've been chipping away on those federal grants uh uh fairly consistently. You can see that the grants that um are uh supporting our personnel expenses um are usually those um uh spending levels are you know at about 75% of because it coincides with the school year. Some of smaller federal or state

117grants that uh do not support our personal costs may have already been spent or will have to spend them. Any specific questions about this monthly report? >> I have a question. I just have a comment. Hyper one appreciate that our budget reports are boring. Let's keep it up. >> I'm guessing it takes a lot of work to make that >> to make them pretty. >> No, I'm fair. I'm pretty there. >> Yes. Also, by the end of uh February, the auditor will be on site for at least one day. So, that's always not my favorite date, unfortunately. Uh so I'll probably have uh if not at the March meeting then definitely uh at the April meeting I will have known the results of the financial aid but it's you know it's never routine it is

118but it's never always going to be enough curve ball. >> Yeah. >> Can I ask that clarifying question on just the state grants? one grant. >> I was just um Yes, I'm >> not. >> Yeah, I just the the transformational learning and the gifted and talented. So, does all do both those monies have to be used up by end of 26? >> That's correct. Yes. >> So, the fact that there's 100% still available >> is that weird like they spend their money or what? >> Not really. If you look at those dollar amounts, they're so low that we won't have any issues. >> They could burn them up. Okay. Lucy can spend that virtually. Great. That's why. >> Yes. I'm sorry to say that those are virtual. >> Well, the transformation especially is like >>

119Yeah. Thanks. >> But just curse. >> Yeah. And and the same with the Mckin Vento. Uh actually Sarah and I were talking about it uh this week. Uh Sarah uh was on the phone call with OBI uh to uh talk about this uh grant specifically and how best to uh spend the money. So, we're working on that. Thank you. >> Any other questions, please? We'll move on to the consent agenda. Are there any questions on the consent agenda? >> There's public comments. Any public comments on the cons? >> I second. >> Okay. Moved by Katie and seconded by Quincy. All in favor. >> Okay. One last motion. I move the second. Okay. Moved by Darcy and seconded by Quincy. All in favor? >> Thank you.