001Just like that. I'll call this meeting to order. Roll call, Ms. Clark. Trustee Bertelson. Here. Trustee D. Here. Trustee Moran. Here. Trustee Black. Here. Trustee Sarah Wilson. Here. Trustee Sandy Wilson. Here. Trustee Gary Lucine. Here. Trustee Neil. Here. Thank you. We uh please stand for the pledge. All right. Uh uh tonight we're going to be Well, we won't be joined. We're going to go across the hallway to the balcony. Anybody's welcome to join us, but uh we have the SMS Honor Orchestra over there in the auditorium, and they're going to play a song or two for us. So, uh we're going to take a quick break, and then we'll be right back. You're welcome to join us if you'd like. >> Mhm. >> Welcome to the April 13th Bozeman School District Board meeting. Thank you
002for joining us. Public comment will be taken throughout the meeting on agenda and non-agenda items during the public comment. No member of the public will be allowed to comment on contested cases, other adjudicative proceedings, or personnel matters. The public portion of this board meeting is being recorded in accordance with District Policy 1420 and Section 2-3-214 MCA. By remaining in this meeting, all participants and attendees acknowledge they may appear on the recording, which will be placed on the school district's website for a minimum of 1 year from today. Further instruction about participating will be provided throughout the meeting. Before we engage in the business of the board, I would like to share the core purpose of the Bozeman School District, which can be found on the back of our nameplates and to the wall on my
003left. It reads, "Bozeman School Public Schools exist to ensure high-level learning for all students." All right. Well, welcome. We'll get started. The BSD C7 experience, uh, student representative reports. And for tonight, we actually have two questions, so you can quickly answer them, I hope. But, uh, first one is is what was or is your favorite thing about high school your high school experience? And then your next one is what are your future plans? Who's going first? Ridge, all right. I'll start us out. My name is Ridge McGovern. I'm the Gallatin High Student Body President. My favorite thing about like high school has probably just been connecting with so many different people. I've made so many friends, hopefully so many lifelong friends. Um very social person, so I'm glad I've got to meet so many fun
004and amazing people that I get to call my friends. And then my plans for next year, I am going to Montana State University to study biology on the pre-dental track. So, I want to be a dentist in the long run. So, that's kind of what I have. Um since the last time we saw you guys, our girls basketball team took home the state championship with an undefeated season. So, very historic run for them. And then our boys basketball team had an amazing run at state as well. And our Gallatin High HOSA club recently took 42 students to Billings to compete in a variety of leadership, teamwork, and health profession events. After 2 days of competition, GHS brought home an impressive impressive 39 medals. Notably, Gallatin students swept both the biology and clinical specialty events. Um
005Bozeman Bozeman Night Live was a great success featuring Raptors and multiple acts and showcasing a wide range of student talent. Our Key Club had an outstanding showing at the state district conference. GHS was recognized as the Club of the Year and received several major awards. Um theater club is excited to present present a Midsummer's Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Um we invite all you guys to come. Performances will be held Friday, April 24th, Saturday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 26th at 2:00 p.m. 2 weeks ago, 70 um Gallatin High students participated in World Language Day at MSU where they attended college level classes and explored language programs offered at the university level. Um Gallatin High has been preparing for prom on May 2nd, so that's exciting. And as a student council, we've
006been exploring a lot of new fundraising ideas this year for future years to come. And we've landed on a new fundraising that hasn't been done by Gallatin High. So, we're partnering with the drive-in movie in Church Hill and we'll be hosting a drive-in movie in May. So, more details to come about that. I'm super excited for that one. Um in athletics, we have several upcoming events. Tennis faces Bozeman tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. Um track competes in a duel against CMR at 3:00 p.m. tomorrow. And both softball and baseball also play at 3:00 p.m. And our newest boy sport, boys baseball, is off to an incredible start this season with a 6-0 record. Thank you. Rosie and Sarah, looks like you guys are arguing who goes first, so Yeah, um Hi, I'm Rosie. I'm one of
007the Bridger Charter Academy representatives. Hello, I'm Sarah Stanich. I'm the other Bridger Charter Academy representative. Yeah, um next year I plan on taking a gap year. I don't know exactly where I'm going for college after that. However, I will be attending a higher education. I will be studying archaeology or more specifically anthropology with a focus on archaeology. Um I'm going to be in school for the rest of my life. Pretty much. Um but I hope that I enjoy it. I should. I love history. Um Oh, my favorite thing about high school has probably been theater. Um just genuinely like all of theater has been really amazing, but I think I um the best theater experience I've had was this past production that we just did not Princess Bride, but the smaller one that we took
008to the Thespian Festival, the Marsh was really near and dear to me. Um, yeah, your turn. Uh, my favorite thing about high school is probably like just like branching out in general. I feel like I actually became a person in high school. Uh, so I was very like so like I didn't really talk to a lot of people in middle school, but high school I really branched out. And I also really enjoyed like traveling in high school, which I didn't get to do much years before. Um, and next year I'm I'm also I'm not planning on going to college in the near future, but I do plan on moving to Portland and making music and as well as just like working my butt off to make a lot of money, you know, the vibes. All
009right, starting off strong our BCA student count currently is 128 students. Um, mainly what we have to talk about today is some Hawk Times that we've been providing throughout April. Um, we've had community building Hawk Times including cookie decorating and trivia, and we had a board meet and greet with donuts, coffee, and great conversation. And we wanted to thank you guys so much for coming and meeting with our students in BCA. It really does mean a lot to us. Um, we've been having senior meetings to prepare for graduation. So, BCA actually does have a separate graduation. We're able to attend one, neither, or both. I'll be attending both. Um, And as well. Yeah, and the BCA graduation is a little bit more personal. We write um, teachers write about different students and they like to
010recognize a bunch of students. Students talk about if they want to speak and we actually vote on who we would like to represent BCA at BCA graduation and who would like to speak and give a speech. And it's really sweet and I'm pretty sure we get cake, which I'm looking forward to. Um, and then our my last thing is that we have an upcoming brunch um, an upcoming Bridger brunch planned for Hawk Time with freshman hosts, which is really exciting. I'm not entirely sure, so don't quote me on this, but I don't believe that we've had a freshman two freshman host a Bridger Bunch this year entirely by themselves. We've had sophomores, juniors, seniors. We might have one freshman with a sophomore, but we haven't had two freshman yet, so this is pretty exciting. And
011then uh with our late work deadline, our teachers are supporting our students with getting in work cuz it's gets really hard at the end of the year because it's just like getting motivated to do the work and everything like that, especially especially seniors, yeah. Um and we have been working to get BCA elections underway as we're both seniors, so we do need to get some some people some juniors to get in here so they can be in our slot next year. And um Rosie has had the honor of being chosen for the Worthy Student Scholarship. And she chose BCA's teacher uh Courtney Leary as her distinguished educator. I'm going to let her speak a bit more about that. Yeah. Um I we decided to put this on the list because I really just thought it
012showed how important BCA educators have been to Bridger Charter students. I met Courtney Leary last year when we were um when I was in her combo class with Reiner as well. However, I'd seen her around the BCA halls before and the only like time I'd really seen her, like interacted with her, she was incredibly kind and respectful. And then as I got to get to know her when I was a student of hers, I just found that's like she's where I am in 10 years. Like we're both history nerds. It's like everything just like clicks and she's just been such a huge role model for me. And so throughout all of my years of high school, all 13 years of high school, she just really stood out to me as someone who's incredibly important. And
013it was actually a very tough decision between all of the BCA educators that I had to choose from. Um when I was thinking about distinguished educators, it was mostly the BCA teachers and I think that really just shows the importance of the connection that they have with their students and how much it really means to us. So, yeah. And that is it on our end. Okay. Um, I'm Jenna Kitto and I'm the student body vice president. Um, and I would next year I'm going to the University of Utah to um, go into nursing, I think. I want to go into medicine, but there's a lot of different branches that I could go, so probably nursing. Um, and then my favorite part about high school has probably just been like all the different experiences that I've
014gotten. Um, I have had the privilege to be a part of a lot of different things like um, sports and clubs and just kind of everything. And um, it's been really fun to like experience everything. Do you want to Yeah. Okay. Hi, I'm Taylor Trudgen and my favorite part of high school I would say it's all the things that we've done, too. I really like dances. I think we've gone to over 20 high school dances. Um, and those have been fun and football season's always fun and we've just met so many people, especially being on student council. People come with us with the randomest like concerns and so we've met a lot of them. Um, next year I'm not headed anywhere um, that I know of yet into a further education, but I'm going to
015be working here. I'm an intern um, in children's ministry and I might go travel around the world just to get some more perspective um, of how other countries work. Okay, so I'm going to start off with sports first. Um baseball is new this year. So um their current record is four and one, which is exciting considering it's new. Um and they had a game today against Great Falls. Um and then softball had their first game last Tuesday against Great Falls. Um and their record is one and five and their next game is tomorrow at 3:00. Um track had their first track meet last Monday at Gallatin and they have one tomorrow in Great Falls. Um and then tennis plays Gallatin tomorrow. And then um speech and debate has nationals in June, which is far away,
016but I thought I would share that. Oh, okay. Um and then for music, um a couple weeks ago choir went to Orlando. Um and they competed against a whole bunch of different um other choirs. Um and they took three different trophies. Um they got first in everything they could have won. It was really cool. I was there. Um we did very good. Um And then we had districts last week. And then band also had districts last week and so did orchestra. Do I need to keep going? Okay. We also had Bozeman Night Live um that Gallatin and Bozeman participated in. Um it was very fun to watch and um be a part of also. Um I was in one of the acts, so that was really fun. Um and then one of our fellow students
017um won on Saturday. I don't know who won on Friday, but I do know who won on Saturday. Um and then theater, we have our um musical Mamma Mia coming up at the end of the month. Um The last weekend of April and the first weekend of May is when um it will be showing. And then this Thursday they have a fundraiser um that they're going to be doing a couple dances and songs. Um Yeah. Okay. Um for our clubs, HOSA, as Ridge said, they went to Billings a couple weeks ago for their annual leadership conference. Um and they did really well. They took home 27 medals, which was really impressive. Um for dances, we just had our prom and it was hosted at the Elm. There were lots of students. Um the DJ was
018good. It was fun. It was bittersweet being seniors, but it was definitely fun. Um and then events. So we have our dodgeball tournament on Friday. Um me and Jenna were kind of concerned about participation, but we looked today and there were a lot of teams signed up and we're hearing about a lot of teams that are signing up. That's always really fun. Um there's like a huge trophy that we made, I think our sophomore year, and it's like tall as tall as us. Um so that's always exciting. Our end-of-year event is coming up. We have a big like barbecue and we feed the whole school. Um and we have all of our clubs that get the opportunity to to participate and we have a carnival basically. And so they get to set up a booth
019and students get to buy tickets. Um and then our elections are coming up. Yeah. Thank you for the updates. Are there any questions or comments from the trustees? All right. I don't don't want to do this, but I will. You guys have assignment for next one. I'm not asking the question. You guys can have an opportunity to ask somebody up here if you want a question. The only caveat is I still have this. So, if it's not appropriate for the room, this will be the response. But, all right? >> Yeah. Um Yeah. Yes. Okay. Um yeah, so we have been talking as representatives and we have a question about one of the club policies. Um So, Taylor, we'll have to talk about that. So, it and like we've been discussing back and forth, you're welcome
020to talk about it in public comment >> Okay. >> because because it's not a because we are a public meeting and our rules are well, you can talk to the legislation about it, but if it's not on the agenda, we can't talk about it. We can't respond and the appropriate spot would be a public comment for six on item six tonight if you want to have that conversation this point in time or I'm happy some of the trustees are happy to meet with you individually to get a better understanding to start. So, Sorry. I thought you were asking us to ask a question. No. No, it was a I'm sorry. It was a homework assignment. Sorry. Sorry. It was a homework assignment for next meeting, but it's probably more similar, but I I can give
021you a little bit more probably more similar on what you guys have been asked. Um So, like yeah, not policy stuff. Like something fun. Maybe. Huh? Well, that's why you have a month. You guys will be good. If you if you don't want to, you don't have to. Just to you won't have a question, but all right. Sounds good. Thank you guys for your time. Have a great night. I also Sorry, I have something I wanted to add really quickly that like just popped in my brain. Um about Mamma Mia, it's something new that we're doing this year and we would really encourage you guys to come the first Sunday performance. So, it's that last Sunday of April because that's going to be our sing-along Sunday. So, the lyrics are going to be projected up
022on the wall. We decided to do it the first opening weekend. I posted the last one for our seniors just so the last one can be all bittersweet and we can sob as my best friend sings Slipping Through My Fingers. Um But yeah, so really come on sing-along Sunday. It's going to be so much fun. Um I believe the three of us are in it and it's a blast. Yeah. Awesome. Thank you so much. I have my tickets. Thank you guys. Have a great night. Next Board of Education special education program updates. Gaysing. Thank you, Chair Black. Um invite Director of Special Education and Student Programs, Mr. Chad Berg. Who's going to um We've had a lot going on on in the special education world and he's going to provide trustees a variety of updates.
023Um one regarding um services for students ages 19 to 22. Um a another one that I've been updating keeping you abreast of is the um changes um to the RTI model for um learning disability um identification and then just some general program updates um from the special education world. Welcome, Chad. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you. I'll work that. Um I have shared and I will move into presentation mode. Awesome. Thank you. Um before we jump in, I want to take a moment. Um this past week we had the Montana Council for Exceptional Children Conference Um here in Bozeman and just wanted to take moment to just get it out there and say I've seen Casey do some social media posts that Emma Roca and Madison Graham's were nominated and selected as the region
024for CSPD pair of professionals of the year. Oh, okay. And we tested it before. Good? Okay, I'll touch gently. So, quick year in review. I know this is a 15-minute Board Education and that I can get pretty passionate about these topics and go way deeper than I need to and so most of what I've tried to do is provide a series of links so that if you share that passion or have the curiosity you're able to follow the links and dig in at any level you might desire. Last year when I came for a board update, I foreshadowed that there was a there was some pending litigation and as is often the case in the world of special education, we have rules and regulations and we have litigation and litigation can drive. It's another way
025that case law is made and in Montana, Disability Rights Montana had filed a lawsuit against the state of Montana and the Office of Public Instruction on behalf of group of students who were about to age out of services. And so I'll talk a little bit about the results of that lawsuit and the implications that we're working through. Casey also mentioned um the response to intervention model for identification for students under the specific learning disability category. This primarily applies at the elementary level for students who are newly identified as students with a learning disability. Um this model shift is something that we didn't have to do, but we are choosing to do and we're choosing to do it for a number of reasons that I'll touch on as we talk about that. And then we always
026are updating our program trends and data and we are at that point in the year where not only are we working on everything to finish up this year, but we're working hard to plan out what next year looks like in terms of our staffing needs and projections. Every year we look at every school and we look at the students who are in that school, the incoming pre-K kids, the outgoing kids transitioning. We do that at every grade band and we staff around the needs that we're facing and so I can give an update as to to where we're at on that. With regards to the age 19 plus stuff in this disability rights Montana lawsuit, a bunch of links here. This is the bulk of the slides for this topic. So I can click links
027and and do this deeper dive. The August 13th link is a link to the court order itself. The issue at hand was that Montana was the last state in the nation to limit the age of eligibility services for students with identified disabilities. You may remember a few years back the legislators, um, House Bill 233 passed and that enabled school districts to adopt policies to allow students who, um, are likely eligible or were eligible for adult developmental disability services. You hear in that description a narrowing down of a district may choose to do this, some didn't. Um, and you hear that that's a subset of students with IEPs, those students with significant developmental disabilities who were eligible for adult transition services. That was the law of the land, um, up until August. In August, the state
028of Montana settled a lawsuit that acknowledged that, um, because we provide a free and appropriate public education through our system of adult ed, um, we are a state similar to every other state in the nation that needs to provide a free and appropriate public education up until a child's 22nd birthday regardless of how they qualify for an IEP unless they have received a regular high school diploma and that definition of a regular high school diploma is pretty specific. And we've known about at the federal level since 2017 that that definition of a regular high school diploma is what ended our obligation to provide services for some students and, um, and we've lived with students age out, um, unless they're eligible for those adult transition services. And, um, we've had students who have moved to other
029states where the age of eligibility has been through their 22nd birthday and we've put statements in saying um, their pathway to graduation in the Bozeman school district may have been based upon completion of IEP goals and objectives. That's part of the current Montana statutes that need to be looked at in the next legislative session. Um so I do anticipate legislative changes coming up. I anticipate policy changes that we'll need to make to come in alignment with this settlement agreement. Um we've been having good robust planning and discussion and training in our district and I put a link to the slide deck in there um that I put together for some staff training earlier this school year where we've really done that deep dive. You can get into the weeds. This isn't just a high school
030issue. We start making decisions for students as to whether they are on a path for a regular high school diploma or whether they are participating in an alternate assessment aligned to alternate achievement standards. We start making those decisions as early as second grade in anticipation of third grade state testing. And we can undo some decisions and nothing in federal law prevents a child from trying to earn a regular high school diploma if they've been on an alternate track. Um and so we've got to we've got to live in that world where we're open with families having discussions about the implications of IEP decisions at very early ages. Um and then expanding this discussion for high school students who may be credit deficient who haven't earned a regular high school diploma but they may choose to
031come back and they may choose to come back as a 19 or 20-year-old when they otherwise would have dropped out and at that point we still have an obligation to help them earn a regular high school diploma. And we're in a really good spot. Um we have proficiency pathways that we can look at that aren't dependent on seat time. And um that's all part of the state definition of what credits are needed to earn a regular high school diploma. So we are fleshing that out. Um a piece of what we are doing is a position that's been created um and posted for our adult education program that is a part-time special education teacher connected to adult ed. Recognizing that when we talk about the least restrictive environment for a 20-year-old, where are 20-year-olds currently? Um
032we don't need to have 20-year-olds coming back to Bozeman High or Gallatin High trying to get seat time for classes that they may not have passed in their freshman or sophomore years. So it becomes a responsibility for us to work with that young adult to creatively look at how we can see demonstrations of proficiency. We may be able to backfill and award through completion of HiSET testing um a portion of the credits needed for a regular high school diploma. We may have online courses or dual credit course options that are more natural courses for 18, 19, 20, 21-year-olds. Um so we're working through all of that right now. Um I feel like our braided MTSS PLC work has really um there are districts who have in designing their special education models, have gone deep into
033we're going to do core replacement math classes for students with IEPs, core replacement English classes. And those classes connected to lower grade level standards would not meet the bar for this being uh rigorous course aligned to grade level content standards. Most of what we do with the braided MTSS PLC model is an additive we're providing differentiated support in the general classroom providing access to those grade level standards and we're building in direct special education support on top of that for gap filling skills. So inadvertently the structures we've been building enables us to pretty effectively move into discussions authentic discussions that this diploma that we're awarding is truly a regular high school diploma. Um so ton of stuff there. Um we could unpack that for a longer longer time. Um I'm going to segue into response
034intervention model for identification for students with specific learning disabilities. Um this um change um as we've worked with our staff we've convened a work group of about 40 individuals who um we have classroom teachers, we have intervention teachers, we have special education teachers, school psychologists, guidance counselors, we have a a large crew and we had one meeting last spring and we had three meetings this fall and um in the work that we've been doing MTSS PLC work and work that we've been doing primarily around the science of reading and improving literacy instruction um we kept hearing um that the work that we were doing in in a like all of that good work where we're building in intervention support was still being hindered by what's often referred to as a wait to fail model where
035a child isn't eligible for special education until they've demonstrated a significant discrepancy between their overall cognitive ability as measured on an IQ test and a specific academic achievement area. And we've needed to see that gap, that discrepancy, um grow to a point of significance where we could qualify that student. One of the issues with the discrepancy model is that um it creates a floating criteria cut point. So that if a student has higher cognitive abilities, that cut point for the discrepancy qualification on the achievement test also raises. Um in other words, it becomes easier to qualify or harder to qualify depending on cognitive factors that aren't directly related to student outcomes. And this is not like an aha moment in the Bozeman school district. This is known in the field. Um and the alternative, an
036RTI model, is um likewise incredibly difficult to implement well and challenging to implement well. And so our build group was an effort to say if we are making this shift, we will do it well and we will do it with integrity. Um and so we've pulled together that group um within a response to intervention model. Um we looked at guidance. Um Montana being a very local control state, um is um a state that hasn't the Department of the Office of Public Instruction has not put out significant robust guidance documents that say this is how you do it well. Um they'll provide the framework and then let local school districts build decision points within the framework. Um we convened a team that looked at the Montana frameworks. We also looked at um best practices and guidance
037documents from Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Washington, and Texas where they had more robust examples of this is how you operationalize that criteria. And we used the consensus model to make recommendations and to get a gauge as to where people were at and where we should set those decision points within our district. We looked at we had within the criteria terms that were in the criteria but were not defined. So we had to churn on things like a student still needs to show significant low achievement in order to qualify. So instead of having that cut score that floats, this was an opportunity to create a consistent cut score that was not linked to a child's cognitive ability so that we could have a consistent application of the criteria throughout the district. We also had
038to define what it means to show an insufficient response to scientific research-based interventions. Those two points dovetail. And so we were reviewing what's a good quality intervention that has a strong research base behind it where we can look at the meta-analysis of the research and see that the mean effect size shows that this is an intervention that will make a difference. And then if we're implementing that intervention, how many data points are we looking for to know whether it is having an impact or not because of the criteria says we have to implement a series of two or more interventions and it's the child's lack of response to those interventions that becomes the qualifier. It's not just have a psychologist and a teacher test the child and then we'll see where it falls. Our MTSS
039teams, our site intervention teams already do this work and this puts um um greater specificity around what tools are we using to set intervention goals, what kind of progress monitoring are we doing, um when is the decision point to move from an intervention process to a referral process. Um so this is it's been really significant work. Um the greatest work is yet to come. We We did our thumbs on consensus, but now we have to live the implementation of this day in and day out. Um this RTI work um is written into our special education program narrative. It's approved by OPI. And in this approval process, we are providing a window through the rest of this year where a team may use either discrepancy or the RTI model. Next year saying we're making that harder
040shift to an RTI model K8 with high school coming on board the following year. But really this is this is primarily been an elementary driven issue with the frequency of initial evaluations suspecting specific learning disabilities at this level. Um there's lots of visuals and graphs and bell curves and graphs showing what a good response looks like, what a poor response looks like, what a questionable response looks like. Um how to instructions and how to set up our progress monitoring data tools. Um that has been all of the work of that RTI build group. Um and and we'll continue to to build it out and implement it. Last topic of the big three, special education program trends. Um I joined the district in 2008 and have been compiling this data since then and it's been really
041interesting to live and see and feel the the of growth as a community and growth as a department. Um we went through a period of time just on this chart where the growth of the special education department um was occurring at at a faster rate than growth in the community. And so we've got kind of charts that show where our special education identification graph was going and where our community enrollment trend was going. Um we were we were growing and particularly between the 2017 to 2022 time frame, um that was the era when um common core standards were being implemented, the bar was being raised in terms of what it means to be a proficient student in the state of Montana and what it means to be a proficient student in the Bozeman public schools.
042And even though we didn't see significant changes in the criteria, we saw greater numbers of referrals coming in because we had more students not proficient when that bar was raised. And our referral process, particularly using that discrepancy model, qualified those kids who were not yet pro- proficient. Um and we went through a window of COVID where um we were providing services, but um we were not engaged in reevaluations as frequently. And so as we came back and engaged in more reevaluations, we were able to celebrate student success and exit students. And um last year I showed some data implications where many of those students being exited from IEPs were rightly being moved on to 504 plans, which has caused our student population under Section 504 to really grow significantly. Um that's still work that we
043are turning on as a school district. Um you can see in the last several years um our curve has shifted and we've gone from that high point of identifying around 911 students with disabilities with IEPs. Um our October count and this year's September or October of 2025 was 793. And as we've gone through those expansions, we've grown as a department and we've added staff and as we've shrunk the number of students, that has also prompted us to take a look at staffing levels at the elementary, middle, and high school level and we're continuing to churn on that as well and integrating some of those staffing conversations in with how do we provide intervention services since this is connected to that RTI model and that discussion. Um if you like deep dive graphs, um this is
044a graph that looks at um how students are qualifying and we have criteria off on the right-hand side, specific learning disability, other health impairments, speech and language, autism, cognitive delay, emotional disturbance, developmental disability. All of these areas are defined at the state and federal level, but our teams are responsible for working with teachers and families to complete referrals and identify students and exit students um when they've met their IEP goals and no longer demonstrate a need. Um our biggest area of growth is also paired with our biggest area of reduction more recently and that's the blue curve which focuses on students with specific learning disabilities. So, somewhat reflective of increased rigor, increased standards, increased identification coming back from COVID, increased amount of re-evals, more success celebrated around exits, and those numbers coming down. Um so,
045it's been um an evolution of our program, like I said earlier. Every year, we're looking at who are the kids that are in front of us that we're serving. That's 793 unique students with unique needs, and those are individual education programs that we have to then figure out how to serve collectively within our school district. Um so, on the horizon, um implementation, implementation, implementation. Um when I was at the MCEC conference last week, I took a picture of the screen of something that really caught my eye, and it was this math equation of effective innovations times effective implementation times enabling contexts lead to improved outcomes. We are fortunate to have a district that is an enabling context. Um we have braided MTSS PLC structures that enable us to build services out even in anticipation of
046litigation that positions us in a really great spot to effectively serve students. And with something like effective innovations like the RTI model, um we can't just rest and say, "Ha, we've got a handbook." Um it's still the everyday day in day out work of our site intervention teams to do the heavy lifting of an RTI model. Um so, all of that is needed, um and we have so many of those uh ingredients in place to lead to effective student outcomes. I don't know. Or where am I at on that? 15 minutes? No. Okay. Great. Thank you, Chad. Are there any questions or comments? Sandy? I don't have any questions or but I do have a comment. I want to really thank you for I mean you've been in front of us many times over the
047years and your passion for serving these kids is so apparent every uh every time you come forward. The information is wonderful and it's it's hard work and I but it's it's good work. So thank you for what you do for these kids and families. Gary. Yeah, I echo Sandy's comments, Chad. I really appreciate the hard work you do and your staff and our special education teachers and paras. Um I have a couple questions on was it House Bill 1 >> 233. 233. So was that done in 2023 or 2025? 23. Okay. And then for the 19-22 year olds, do we get A and B for those students as they come back in? House Bill 233 outlined the A and B requirements. Um that A and B was available for students who met the criteria in
048House Bill 233. Not all of the kids now meet the criteria under 233. 233 needs to be changed um because we do have more expansive service requirements. Okay. Thank you. Okay. Any other comments from Trustee Zer. Chad, I appreciate all the information and time as usual. Thank you very much for what you do. Thank you. Have a good night. Thanks. You too. Next 2.3 recognition and awards. Uh 2.3.1 Music USA CJMS recognition. So I think we have coming up would be Adriana Avicula and uh Leia Bully. Come on up. Welcome. Hi. Thank you for inviting us here. Last month, CJ Band and Orchestra went down to Orlando, Florida to compete in the Music USA competition that's in collaboration with Universal Studios down there. This was our fourth year of going and our second year of
049competing in that specific festival. This year the orchestra took first and the band took second in their categories. Orchestra was awarded an excellent and band was ordered was was awarded a superior in terms of performance labeling. Um Yeah, this this program has been or this this trip has been really really graders. We take just our eighth graders. We take any eighth graders who want to go. Um and it's really impactful because we're competing against ensembles that are selected by audition and so we're to say that Montana's public schools are competitive against select audition group is really really fantastic. One second. >> That was one of the things that was pretty special about this. Um being my my first trip over there both our orchestra and our band were the only ones that were not not
050a select orchestra or a select band and for them to compete and to compete well and receive those marks it says something that's pretty amazing about our district and about our music program not only at CJ but just here in in the valley. Are any of the students here? Yes, we have a number You can bring them up. Oh, excellent. CJ students, if you're an outstanding soloist, could you come on up here? Yes, soloist. Yeah, come on up. So, from orchestra we have Evan Chandler who's an outstanding soloist as a violinist here. We also had uh Lena Yoon, who was uh labeled as an outstanding soloist, but she is in the honor orchestra right now. So, she was not able to attend. As for band students >> Sure. As for band students, we had uh
051nine students that were recognized as outstanding soloists. We have uh Rose piccolo. We have Iris, also in piccolo. Um Haley, clarinet. Evie, clarinet. Lyra, clarinet. Um saxophones for alto and tenor, we had Clayton and Annie. And then trumpet, we had JB. And then over here in Nelson in the tuba. All right. Congratulations. Nice job. Um is there any trustee comments? Standy, I'll turn it over to you then. Well, congratulations. Um very excited to give this award. I have a couple of questions. Um when did you start playing your instruments? Was it fifth grade or I believe we all started in fifth grade. Oh, is that right? Okay, awesome. Um and my second question is, do you have plans to uh go on in high school and uh participate in the music programs there? Could I
052hear from each of you? Uh yeah, I'd love to participate further in the Gallatin High School band as much as possible. Hopefully, I'll actually take it up on through college and see where we go from there. Of course, it's all pretty early in the process. Just taking opportunities where you Yay, goals. That's awesome. Um yeah, I would love to continue actually into college and maybe even major in music. I think that would be really fun. And it's really a great experience. I'm hoping to continue in the band and branch out to several different bands, such as marching bands and to get up to play in the ensemble in my junior year. Nice. I also wanted to continue I want to continue doing music in college. I really enjoy it and I am going to Awesome.
053Awesome. Well, it is um my pleasure to recommend that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution. Whereas Music USA, a non-profit organization promoting music education through quality evaluation, hosted a spring music festival combining a rewarding performance opportunity and quality adjudication by leading educators. And whereas CGMS eighth grade band and orchestra participated in that Music USA spring music festival on Friday, March 27th, 2026 and took home several top awards. And whereas orchestra received excellent ratings with a first place ranking and the the whereas the following students received outstanding soloist medals. Nelson Carl, tuba. Evan Chandler, violin. Annie Foley, tenor saxophone. Clayton Homan, alto saxophone. JP Klein, trumpet. Rosemary Piccolo. Lyra Lyra? Is that right? Lyra um Sinn clarinet. Iris Vandersloot, piccolo. Evie Ward, clarinet. Haley Webber, clarinet. Lena Young, violin. Therefore, be it resolved that
054the Board of Trustees recognize and honor these middle school musicians for their success. Second. Okay, motion made by Trustee Sandy Wilson, seconded by Trustee D. Is there any public comment? All those in favor? Motion passes 8 to 0. Congratulations. And then before you guys before you guys run up and come on up, we'll take a quick picture. Um and get hand out these things. Thank you. Congratulations, guys. >> Congratulations, you guys. Awesome. Next up 2.3.2 2025-26 swimming state championship team individual state champions and all state individuals. Shavon Gilmartin. There you are. Welcome. Sure. All right. So So you guys can also come around the edge. You don't have to be scared of the desks, but the columns you should be cuz if If behind a column, we cannot see you. And we'd prefer to see
055you. This one? Oh, goodness. Um All right, good job. Yeah. Um so, do I have to keep holding it? Do I keep hold Okay. Uh so, believe it or not, you're not looking at our whole program. You're just looking at members of the um state championship boys Bozeman Hawk team. And then the rest of these swimmers were all-state finishers, meaning they finished in the top state six in the entire state in either an individual event or relay, and many of them multiple of those feats. Um So, I'm just going to read a little brief. Um I Yeah. Um so, this year we watched the Bozeman boys capture their third consecutive AA state championship and the 21st state title in program history. While the Gallatin girls historically, but came heartbreakingly close to winning state, finishing just
056second by one point. It came down to our final relay. Um one of my favorite stats of the season is that for the Gallatin girls, 13 out of our 17 swimmers that swam in prelims swam in finals. Um I think that speaks to the significant depth and team effort that was put into earning a second-place trophy. Um Our Gallatin boys team They're all intermixed, which I do love. It's not really easy to find, but our Gallatin boys team for the second year in a row brought home a third-place trophy, a feat in which six boys amassed a total of 158 points. Um And last but not least, our incredibly small but mighty Lady Hawks, number at seven total swimmers. Um when we sat down at the beginning of the season, our captains, both of whom
057are seniors, set a goal for their girls team, recognizing the small team that they wanted all three relays to come back in semi-finals the next day. And they came together as a team, and we got a little creative. Hazel Hazel swam on three relays and um made a sacrifice in one of her individual events cuz you can only swim in um if you swim in three relays, you can only do one individual event. So, she gave up an individual event to swim at state to swim on three relays. And all three of our um hot girls relays swam on day two. Um our Lady Hawk 200 medley relay placed ninth, 200 free relay placed sixth, and the 400 freestyle placed fourth. Um those are only the kind of results that happen when an entire team
058commits to something bigger than themselves. Um I want to recognize a couple of swimmers individually just because we have so um many graduating seniors and also incredibly talented athletes standing in front of you today. Um each year at our awards banquet, we hand out an MVP or MVS maybe. Um the most valuable swimmer on our team, and it's just objectively who scored the most amount of points for their team. And um the bar for this for your Bozeman Hawk the state championship to win this was that you had to win both your individual events and win both relays you were on, and that was actually two swimmers that um earned that feat, and that was Max Sekiguchi and right behind him Callahan McCauley. Looks thrilled. Um So, that's not a small thing when you consider
059the group of boys that we have here. We had several other swimmers who finished third in both their individual events, like Emery Blasco, graduating senior, and on two winning relays. Um we had Quinn McCauley, who's brother to Callahan, who also placed third, but Callahan's graduating. He's just going to get to be Quinn, not brother to Callahan moving forward. Quinn in the 100 free and the 500 free placed third and was on two first place finishing relays. Bryce Thorn, who's not able to be here this evening, he's playing on that Bozeman Hawk baseball team right now. He placed second in the 50 free and third in the 100 fly and was a part of both the winning relays along with Emery and Callahan that broke a 22-year-old school record in the medley relay. We had with
060this group of kids we've seen well, the Gallatin record board continues to bankrupt our program as they improve every year. But we saw some really significant records that were multiple decades old fall on the Bozeman Hawk side. And so not only are you looking at some incredible, kind, committed humans, they are also really freaking fast at swimming. So I feel really like I have the best job in the whole world getting to hang out with them all winter. But these are your Gallatin Bozeman boys and girls swimmers. Congratulations. Okay, yeah. Do you have one more thing? Ollie Balasho. Also placed third and was on two winning relays at state. So and he's Save the best for last. Well, congratulations all of you on your season and your successes. Coach Shabon, thanks for creating the environment
061that you do in the culture. It's greatly appreciated. Um seems like you have been enjoying it. So again, appreciate that. It's good to see someone that's leading all these kids enjoy what they're doing. So I appreciate that very much. Any comments? Greg, did they take down a couple of yours? Your What was the question? They take down a couple of your records? Uh Max may have just barely got my 100 breaststroke by about 9 seconds. That's with that state record. Congratulations, you guys. Um it's it's amazing to watch you all do what you do. I was Bowman High swimmer way back in the day and I So I know what it's like to have that morning practice and then that first class after lunch and prying your eyelids open and then going back and doing
062it again after school and your level of commitment to to get to this level is is amazing and I'm I'm just really I I really admire all of you for your your commitment and it's going to carry on to other things in life and congratulations on the accomplishment in the state championships and and reaching goals and um and Sarah has the questions and the honors, so I'll I'll be listening to hear what's going to happen next. So, thanks for coming tonight. Trustee Neil actually lap swims on Monday and Wednesday mornings when we're there, just so you know. Sees the chaos. Raise your hand if you're a senior. Okay, so for the seniors, we'd like to know your name, your best memory of high school swimming and your plans for the future of swimming or otherwise.
063Yeah. You could swing by them. Actually, you could you could use it if you're if this microphone's close enough, just put push the button on the right with the person talking. You can use that one, that one or that one. Yeah, that's great. I forgot the question. What was the question? Oh, you're the MC. Okay. Yeah. Oh, okay. Well, I can go first. I'm Victoria Bender. Um next year I'm going to attend Georgetown University in DC for um, international relations. And I guess my favorite memory is just jumping in the pool um, after the Bozeman boys won state both my sophomore year and my senior year. So. Uh, my name is Elias Jacobson. Um, my I forget what the question was, but I'll just go over a couple of things. Uh, next year uh, I
064have a kind of forced gap year. I'm planning on going to Gallatin College with their degree in aviation. And then my favorite swimming memory is all the bus rides we had especially after state. It's always like a really good time. We have speakers on the bus, bumping music, so yeah. Um, I'm Callahan McCauley and I think my favorite high school memory is also just being on the buses before and after meets just being with the team and kind of hyping uh, each other up. And I'm going to PLU for swimming. No. My name is Emery Belasco. I'm going to swim at Chapman University next year in Southern California. And uh, my favorite memory was probably last year at state when we were doing hotel we were doing haircuts in Siobhan's hotel room right after prelims
065before finals the next day. Um, I'm Alexis Hubbard. Um, my one of my favorite high school swim memories is probably the bus rides as well and jumping in after the Bozeman boys won state. Um, and then next year I plan on to go to Gustavus uh, Adolphus College in Minnesota and I plan on swimming there. Uh, my name is Gavin Brokaw. I plan on attending MSU next year and my favorite memory from swimming is probably all the morning practices when you see everybody tired and some there's some people who are like always awake and it's really annoying. So then you just have and then you have to get in the really cold water. So yeah. Hi, my name is Elena Maganito and I'm going to the University of Chicago next year to double major in
066biochemistry and neuroscience and I'm on the pre-med track. Um, my favorite memory from high school swimming is either freshman state or senior state because it's like you got you got to see two ends of the spectrum. Like first coming to going to my first high school state and that was just like so fun and new experience and then coming to my last one as a senior and then being able to hang out with all of my friends for the last time. That was really fun. Um, I'm Hazel Ervin. Uh, I'm going to University of Mary Washington in Virginia for something history related uh, next year and my favorite memory of high school swimming was similar to Elena. Um, I really enjoy the community especially having such a small Bozeman girls team this year has been
067really fun cuz we get to know all of the people on the team better and we get to have some really fun times practicing together for state. I think that was probably my favorite part. Oh, hi. Um, I'm Kayla. Um, I guess my favorite memory from high school swim, sorry I didn't really have any time to think about this. Um, it would probably also be um, all the bus rides and jumping into the pool. It's just really fun getting to um, spend time with all your different teammates. And then next year I'm going to Vanderbilt University to study medicine health and society on a pre-med track. Um, I don't remember if there's another part of the question. But That's perfect. I do want to point out that these three senior girls from Gallatin were part
068of a team their freshman year that only had five girls. There were four freshmen and one senior. And they started meeting in my class. Everyone here has heard this story a million times. But, they started meeting in my classroom every single week the fall of their sophomore year, actively coming up with strategies to recruit swimmers to come out for their program, including buying bracelets, free pizza, um all sorts of fun things that sophomores would want to do. And they amassed the team the year prior to their freshman year. Our Gallatin girls scored zero points at state. So, 5 years later to come up with a second place trophy and an incredible community with over 20 girls is something to be I think these three girls have created a legacy that is going to outlive them
069and obviously their time here. Um we're so grateful to have had them help build this program. It is recommended that the Board of Trustees adopt the following resolution, and it is not short, so you'll have to be patient with me. The Bozeman High and Gallatin High swim teams competed at the AA State swim meet in Great Falls on February 12th through 14th, 2026, and whereas the Bozeman High boys team finished as state champions. Team members included Max Aguirre, Emery Belasco, Ollie Belasco, Gavin Brocca, Xavier Busecher, TJ Drake, Calvin Okay. Thank you. Ian Ferguson, Cyrus Geddes, Elias Jacobson, Shin Yo Napper, Ben Land Gen Callahan McCauley, Quinn McCauley, and Bryce Thorn. And whereas the following Bozeman High team members won state championships. Max Aguirre in the 200 individual medley and the 100 breast breaststroke, Callahan McCauley
070in the 200 freestyle and 50 freestyle, Max Aguirre, Emry Belasco, Callahan McCauley, Bryce Thorn in the 200 medley relay, Ollie Belasco, Callahan McCauley, Quinn McCauley, and Bryce Thorn in the 200 freestyle relay, Max Aguirre, Emry Belasco, Ollie Belasco, Quinn McCauley in the 400 freestyle relay, and we're only one page in. The following Gallatin High team members won a state championship. Trigg Suvilich check? Okay. Did I get the name close? Yeah. Okay. The following Bozeman High team members earned all-state honors by placing in the top six of the state meet. Max Aguirre in the first in the 200 medley relay, first in the 200 individual medley, first in the 100 breaststroke breaststroke, first in the 400 freestyle relay, Emry Belasco first in the 200 medley relay, third in the 200 individual medley, third in the 100
071breaststroke, first in the 400 freestyle relay, Ollie Belasco third in the 200 freestyle, first in the 200 freestyle relay, third in the 100 backstroke, first in the 400 freestyle relay, Muriel Gets, sixth in the 200 freestyle relay, Alexis Hubbard fourth in the 500 freestyle, sixth in the 200 freestyle relay, fourth in the 400 freestyle relay, Grace Hubbard fourth in the 400 freestyle relay, Hazel Urban sixth in the 200 freestyle relay, fourth in the 400 freestyle relay, Elias Jacobson fourth in the 100 breaststroke, Ben Linnekin fourth in the 400 butterfly, fifth in the 100 backstroke, Callahan McCauley first in the 200 medley relay, first in the 200 freestyle, first in the 50 freestyle, and first in the freestyle relay. Quinn McCauley, third in the 100 freestyle, third in the 500 freestyle, first in the 200 freestyle
072relay, first in the 400 freestyle relay. Bryce Thorn first in the 200 medley relay, second in the 50 freestyle, third in the 100 butterfly, first in the 200 freestyle relay. Elizabeth Williamson, sixth in the 200 freestyle relay, fourth in the 400 freestyle relay. And whereas the following Gallatin High team members won all-state honors by placing in the top six of the state meet. Victoria Bender, sixth in the 200 medley relay. Sam Butt fourth in the 200 medley relay, fifth in the 200 freestyle relay, sixth in the 100 breaststroke. Grayson Help. Got it. Fourth in the 200 medley relay, fifth in the 200 individual medley, fifth in the 100 breaststroke, fourth in the 400 freestyle relay. Trig Suvilchek fourth in 200 medley relay, third in the 50 freestyle, first in the 100 freestyle, third in the
073400 freestyle relay. Wesley Hill sixth in the 200 individual medley, fifth in the 200 freestyle relay, third in the 400 freestyle relay. Jane Kusick sixth in the 200 medley relay, sixth in the 200 individual medley. Maddy McBride, third in the 200 freestyle relay third in the 400 freestyle relay. Help me out. Elena Meg third in the 100 butterfly fly, third in the 200 freestyle relay, third in the 400 freestyle relay. Maya Megan Thank you. Second in the 50 freestyle, third in the 200 freestyle relay, second in the 100 breaststroke, third in the freestyle relay, Lola Pazado Smith, sixth in the 200 medley relay, fifth in the 100 butterfly, third in the 400 freestyle, Riley Marks, fourth in the 200 medley relay, fifth in the 200 freestyle relay, Lucas Mayer, sixth in the 200 freestyle, fifth
074in the 200 freestyle relay, third in the 400 freestyle relay, Maria Ross, sixth in the 200 medley relay, fourth in the 100 freestyle, third in the 200 freestyle relay, sixth in the 100 backstroke, and Shelby Russell, fourth in the 200 freestyle, third in the 50 freestyle, third in the freestyle relay. Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Trustees recognize and honor the individual state champions and all-state individuals from both schools at the Bozeman and the Bozeman High School State Championship. Second. Motion made by Trustee Sarah Wilson, seconded by Trustee Neil. Any public comment? Um all those in favor? Motion passes eight to zero. All right, we're half Well, well, congratulations. So, you guys in some sort of organized chaos, we'd like to get a picture with you. So, the organized chaos is you guys
075coming up here and somehow fitting into a picture with all of us. So, come on up. Thank you. >> All right, congratulations. Next is 2.3.3 National Merit Scholarship recipient, Mr. Mills. Welcome. Good evening. Thank you for having us tonight. Um I'm here to reintroduce to you Phoebe Cross, who is seated next to me. You've met Phoebe before on multiple occasions and for good reason. Um Phoebe has been a multiple time speech and debate champion, state champion. Um Phoebe you met earlier this year as well um when we introduced this year's National Merit Scholarship competition, which starts if you recall every year with the National Merit Semifinalists announcement in the fall. We're very fortunate um here in Bozeman at both high schools to announce National Merit Semifinalists every year. Um and that's still a very special
076honor even though we do it every year. It amounts to about 1% of all PSAT/NMSQT uh examinees um qualify as National Merit Semifinalists across the entire nation. Um so it's 16,000 um who who sat here as Semifinalists in respective boardrooms across the nation out of 1.5 million. So that that in and of itself is impressive. What we don't have every year is a National Merit Scholarship Recipient, which is what we're here to honor Phoebe for. That gets much less than 1%. Um I didn't do the exact math on it. I don't know that I have that exact calculation. Um but when when the uh when we take those 16,000 uh Semifinalists, they become Finalists, most of them become Finalists, and there's a process by which Phoebe and her peers his peers um submit um written
077applications, uh written letters of recommendation, um a substantial essay, basically form a a um a scholarship resume to submit to the National Merit uh Corporation. That's what Phoebe's been working on um this year in the midst of everything else that um that he's been up to. Um a couple other things to mention about Phoebe in addition to uh the dominance in speech and debate that I mentioned. You are co-president of co-co-president human rights club. I mean we're like founders. We co-founded. Co-founder, co-president, co-leader of the human rights club at Bozeman High which is a thriving organization. Co-president of academic Olympics which matches your academic resume and interests. Um Additionally Feeby has also been accepted to Brown and Yale and Harvard. Feeby I probably should have warned you they may ask what you're planning to do
078next year and there's no there's no pressure on that. You can be undecided if you if you are at this point. To look at Feeby's academic transcript um to say it's impressive is is not enough. It's it's a thing of beauty. Feeby has explored every part of our academic catalog and dominated with precision all all of our academic offerings. And so all of these things work together to form the composite of the student and and community member at Bozeman High that Feeby is. And I'll also add that you know when when there are very few students at Bozeman High who who have the respect that Feeby has among our faculty and there are very few students at Bozeman High who have worked with who have the humility that Feeby has. Feeby I'm sure is is
079not particularly comfortable with all this praise that I'm giving him right now in front of you. So that's a little bit about Feeby. I know you want to hear from him so I'll I'll turn it over to you at this point for your questions. Yeah. Hi. Congratulations Feeby on your accomplishments and all the effort I'm sure that's gone into it. So, if we have any trustee comments, go for it. Well, congratulations. This is very impressive. Have you been in Bozeman schools since kindergarten? Yep, since kindergarten. Could you tell us kind of what briefly what your experience has been that led you to this level? I mean, I've loved like Bozeman School District. All of my teachers have been phenomenal. Recently with the Worthy Student Scholarship that I also I received, I had a really hard
080time picking an educator cuz there was I had a list of like 15 different teachers that I like really wanted to recognize. They're all the most wonderful human beings. They all care about their jobs more than anything and they're all just so amazing. They've all shaped me into who I am today. I would not be able to do any of this without the amazing teachers who are also just as passionate about teaching as I am learning. Any other comments by trustees? They are. Do you want to comment? Well, first congratulations. It's It's It's an impressive accomplishment. I'm wondering what do you like I I just I'm picturing that you know, academic you know, spotlight that you have. What do you do for fun to relieve stress or pressure or whatever? Ooh, I love to paint.
081I think painting art is like my main outlet outside of school. I also love hanging out with my dog, going on long walks, going to the gym. I don't know. But school is a lot of it. But hopefully it becomes less of it. As I go to college, I can do more outside. But we'll see. Yeah. Trustee Moran. Congratulations. This is extremely impressive. So, who did you choose to be your distinguished educator? I chose Trennel. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, my work through academic Olympics I think really shaped that but I've also just known her as a friend like of my family for a little while and so I don't know it felt like it felt like the right choice. We have to get a photo shoot. Hopefully you can see the newspaper with the gothic
082American gothic painting we dressed up all the way out I'm wearing a bald cap. It's pretty good. Evan what are your future plans? I'm probably going to be attending Yale in the fall majoring in ethics politics and the economy so like interdisciplinary major I'm hoping to then go into law school after that. Yeah. Well, it is my honor to recommend that the board of trustees adopt the following resolution. Whereas across the nation approximately 1.5 million high school juniors took the preliminary SAT in fall of 2024 and whereas approximately 16,000 semifinalists have been named in the 67th annual national merit scholarship program from across the United States. And whereas to compete for a finalist position and possible scholarship award the semifinalists go through an application process that includes an essay and recommendation and whereas out of
08315,000 finalists one Bozeman high school senior Phoebe Cross has been named a 2500 national merit scholarship corp winner. Therefore, be it resolved that the board of trustees recognize and honor 2026 national merit scholarship winner Phoebe Cross for his outstanding performance in a national field based on accomplishments, skills, and potential success in college. Second. Motion made by trustee Moran seconded by trustee Bertelson any public comment? All those in favor? Motion passes eight to zero. Congratulations. And then, Phoebe, you can come on up. We'll get a quick picture. You don't have to. You can stand. Find a spot in between us or something like that. Next, 2.3.4, 2026 HOSA state state leadership conference gold awards awardees, excuse me. Um it looks like Ally Carter, Felicia King, and um Shannon Connal. Come on up. You can bring your
084students, too. I'm Felicia King. I'm one of the the co-advisors for Gallatin High. And I'm Shannon Connal. I'm the advisor for Bozeman High. And I'm just going to introduce Michaela Overly. She's going to um not only represent the Bozeman High School side. She was a president for my club, but she was also um a state officer. So, I think she's going to talk about what HOSA is, um and then we'll talk about our individual medals. And if Gallatin wants to jump in, go ahead and jump in. Okay. Hi there. Um as Ms. Connal said, um my name is Michaela Overly. I am a Montana HOSA state officer and the co-president of the Bozeman High School chapter. Um so, a little background on what HOSA is. HOSA is a future healthcare professionals organization, a CTSO, that
085helps students on their path to becoming healthcare professionals. Um these members standing in front of you today have all um competed at the Montana HOSA State Leadership Conference, where they prepared for and studied diligently for around 3 to 4 months for their competition category. And they took online test, videoed themselves doing a variety of different skills, and then in person at the conference in um early April performed their skills in front of a panel of judges. And Bozeman HOSA earned 27 total medals this year in a variety of different health career events. 23 out of out of the 28 students who attended were rookies, and 11 of the medals we earned were gold. And to put that in perspective, that's almost four times the amount of gold medals that we won last year. So, pretty
086exciting increase. And I'll wrap up my part by saying all the students that are standing in front of you today are state champions, which is pretty awesome. And as a state officer, I'm incredible like so proud of all of the students who are here today. So, yeah. And now I'll give it over to the Gallatin. I'll just add a a little bit to that. You did a great job summarizing the organization. Um yeah, I think that's like wonderful to say that like everyone up here is a state champion in different fields. And they really do get to showcase different kinds of skill sets in different events. Um we did it we had a great showing. I think Ridge talked about some of some of the the stats, and I'm really proud of our team. Um
087and we did have 42 students that who go and compete, which I thought was like also very cool and worth celebrating. Would you be Would it be okay if I just had all the students go around and just say the names of the events that that >> Sure. they're being honored in. So, like your your first place events. And if there's any details to add. >> But it would I would ask that if you're hiding behind someone, cuz we do have plenty of space in the room. So, if you're hiding behind someone or a column, it'd be great to be able to see your face. Yeah, just make space for each other. >> You can come around this side. Uh Yeah. Thank you. Appreciate it. Um As you can see, they just they It's like
088a lot of diversity of interests and skills uh that they're working on. I guess last thing that I want to highlight is that Michaela and one of our officers uh Alina Yang, who isn't here tonight, um but they helped they played a major role in organizing the conference for How many attendees? Like 450 around people. Um but yeah, we planned and for about 2 months we planned and led planned the conference and then we got to lead it. And it was just so much fun and I got to meet students from all across Montana and talk to them and just encourage them on their paths that they're going to pursue. Okay, I think that's what we have to share. All right. Well, thank you and thank you for all you guys' efforts and what you're
089doing. Pretty exciting to hear about, so congratulations. Um are there any comments from trustees? All right, if not, Gary, it's your The floor is yours for comments and questions. Well, it's my extreme pleasure to read this motion. Um first of all, how many seniors are here? Okay. Um I have a question in your HOSA leadership conference or even in any of the biomed classes you're in, um what are you learning about the uh our health care system and how it's functioning? And and also, I want to remind you, if you can just turn if you can turn back on the mic so you can be heard on the recording. It's really important. Um my name is Eden Taylor, and when I competed at the HOSA state competition, we talked about we went to creative problem
090solving, and our issue was talking about medical misinformation, which is a very huge issue not only in the medical field but also outside the medical field, like all of us deal with it almost all the time, wondering what we can and can't believe online. So, we're talking about like the social aspects of that and how to solve that problem, which was really fun for us to delve into, and I think I learned a lot from that exercise. I'll add in a little thing. Um in my event, mental health promotion, we created a social media campaign on a mental health topic, and our chosen topic was rural isolation in Montana and how it affects mental health, and I think what we learned, a big takeaway, is that a lot of the counties in Montana actually don't
091have access to mental health resources and mental health professionals. And that's a big um contribution uh contributing factor to the really high rate of suicide. We're the second highest in the nation, which is unfortunate. And so our campaign addressed like how to help work through feelings of rural isolation. And okay. Very good. Um I encourage you all to continue to pursue whatever you want to in the health care professions. So thank you for doing that. So with that uh I move the following resolution. Whereas Health Occupations Students of America, HOSA, is a student organization whose mission is to promote career opportunities in health care and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. And whereas the state leadership conference was held in Billings March 31st to April 1st, 2026. And whereas the
092following students earned gold medals. Bozeman High School, Grayden Callis, Occupational Therapy. Rose Colepepper, Prepared Speaking. Brooke Fink, June Kleck, River Jones, Vivian Matlick, Health Education. Kylie Lemieux's, Michaela Oberly, Audrey Shaw, Mental Health Promotion. Waylon Watkins, Biomedical Equipment Technician. Avery Westfall, Environmental Health. Gallatin High School, Helen Raff, Research Poster. Kayla Laub, Medical Spelling and Epidemiology. Alex Ramsey, Biology and Medical Reading. Mira Horgan, Alex Ramsey, Fallon Mortenson, Heidi Steinfad, HOSA Bowl. So Cook, and Sierra Mehmood, forensic science, Abby Taylor, Kayla Lobb, Rio Low, creative problem solving, Stella Broom, clinical specialty, uh Rio Low, Rio Low, excuse me, and Kayla Lobb, search skills, Miles Minders, physics, human heredity and career development. Therefore, be it resolved that the Board of Trustees recognize and honor these students for their first place finishes. Second. Motion made by Trustee Lucine, seconded by
093Trustee Sandy Wilson. Any public comment? All those in favor? Motion passes 8 to 0. Congratulations. >> CONGRATULATIONS. WELL, CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Come on up and get a quick picture. Um either you guys can kneel down cuz you guys have a large group, or you can just make sure that when you look behind you, there's someone taller than you. Thanks for coming. >> Congratulations, guys. >> Good very making. I think you guys just have one more second. Trusty Lucine has one more comment. Yeah, oh yeah. I'm sorry. Go ahead, Gary. Yeah, before you guys leave, I one thing I forgot, I just really want to give a shout out to your teachers and administrators, the great work you're doing supporting these students. Um so, thank you very much. Much appreciated. Thanks. Also, we have
094a lot more left on our meeting, so you're welcome to stay. No. Next item's 3. or three action items consent. Would it Motion to approve consent agenda items 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4. Second. Thank you. It's a motion made by trusty Neil, seconded by trusty Sandy Wilson. Any public comment? All those in favor? Motion passes 8 to 0. Uh looks like there's a elementary district Motion to approve consent agenda item 3.5. Second. Motion made by trusty Neil, seconded by trusty Bertelson. Any public comment? All those in favor? Motion passes 7 to 0. Thank you. Uh next item is five board discussion. Um 5.2 Bridge Health Alliance update. Casey. Thank you, Chair Black. Um reminder in December this board approved conditional approval of joining Bridged Health Alliance and part of that recommendation was three contingencies. This is
095just an update on those contingencies. Two of the three have been met. So, number two was around receipt of contracts, interlocal agreements, and documentation from Bridged around pricing structures and what the self-funded program would would look like. We have received those and those have been satisfactorily received by our group. Number three was around the trust coming to a fruition at the state level and so it has been officially qualified with the state auditor's office. The $40 million has been released to Bridged Health Alliance and they're actively setting up their organization in Helena. They have office space and John Duran was named by the interim board, the executive director of the organization and he has begun hiring and moving the organization forward. The one key piece is successful contracting and that contracting is between the third
096party um TPA that has been selected, Allegiance, and Bridged working in collaboration in all the local markets with with the local hospital systems. And so, there has been some initial conversations between those parties locally at at Bozeman Health. I had um follow-up one-on-one meeting today with the CEO at Bozeman Health to talk about Bridged and to talk about where Bozeman Public Schools is at, what our needs are, the history of the $40 million and all the work that's been done to get to that point. Where we are at is um, what I heard today is that um, the it's a negotiation process and that that negotiation process will continue. Um, Bozeman Health is well aware that um, public schools are in a different boat than cities and counties where we cannot permissibly levy um, increases
097to health insurance premiums. Um, they're also very aware that um, our revenue is capped at 3% if voted um, on um, in our upcoming election and so we were able to have a good um, conversation. I feel like they have the information they need on the whole picture and our perspective um, as a individual district as part of Bridged. Um, we know that there there has to be some sort of um, drop-dead um, date in this in this process um, because um, if Bridged is plan A, we also need plan B. Um, for us plan B is a status quo, um, continuing to be um, self-funded and uh, we have received um, some updated um, uh, numbers um, from um, our current TPA on what what it would cost um, to stay with them next
098year. Um, we are a September renewal so we have some time. However, um, the Bridged renewal process begins in May and June and so I have articulated to um, Bozeman Health today that we really need to know um, if contracting is going to be successful by the beginning of May and so um, the way that um, the contingent approval was written um, it expired on March 31st and so for us to continue to move forward um, with Bridged it would take action of the of this board um, and so we plan one way or another at the May meeting to come forward with an updated recommendation on plan A or plan B um, and then have board take action at that time. Um, did I miss anything? Okay. Stand for any questions. Comments, questions? Gary?
099Yeah, thank you, Casey. Um Do you have any information you could share with us kind of what the hospital's position is? So, uh a big part of the um we as we articulated in December, we don't anticipate moving to Bridge is going to save us an incredible amount of money in year one or year two or year three. It's the long-term contract structure tied to a multiple of Medicare where that Medicare inflation is um a more reasonable number than some of the numbers we've been getting in the market. Um Bozeman Health fully understands that and is willing to negotiate a multiple of Medicare contract. Um my understanding of the initial um negotiations was um as you would expect um Bridge and Allegiance came in with a number um and uh not to exceed um uh
100uh ceiling on the multiple of Medicare threshold. Um the hospital would like to dig into that number and look at it in you know, in different um for for different different uh items on their on their pay pay matrix. Um And and so, they're not comfortable with just a one-size-fits-all number and they're going to have to um continue to negotiate what that might look like moving forward. They are um open to um discussing and having a multiple of Medicare structure. Okay, thank you. And then um who makes the final decision as to whether or not we move forward? Yeah, good question. Um and so we will continue to work with Bridge um to see where if they end up with successful contracting, if they provide us evidence of successful contracting, we would give that update
101to our health insurance board um committee, health insurance committee. They would um make a recommendation, and we would bring a recommendation forward. Ultimately, the board of trustees will decide um where we go next year. Any other comments or questions to trustees? All right, thank you, Casey, for the update. Appreciate it. Uh next item, six, public comment on non-agenda items. Yes. All right, just need to have you state your name, and then there's a note some paper right there. You'll have to write your name and name and address, I believe. I'll do that after. Hi, my name is Margaret Bastian. I am a student, a junior at MSU, studying political science. I am here to express my concern about the increasingly warm winters and how it affects wildlife and the survival of wildlife and what the
102schools can do about it. Um recent climate trends have shown that what winters are becoming warmer and more unpredictable, which is bad for multitude of reasons. While these warmer winters may seem nice at first, it is quite detrimental to a lot of animals. Like moose, they are starting to move more north in areas that they is colder because they need cold to survive, or not survive, but thrive. Um insulate snow insulates like ground squirrels for hibernators, and so without the like feet of snow pack, they're burning through their fat storage a lot faster. And this has like an early emergence also cuz of warm winters and this has a detrimental effect on their offspring and survival chance of their offspring. And also migratory birds are really being affected because the they're missing the bug bloom,
103they're having to move their migration. It's shifted since I think the 1970s 5 to 10 days. Like they're arriving 5 to 10 days later. Um what I think you guys can do is I would like the school district to create a local climate and wildlife education initiative. First I would I think you guys should partner with MSU or like local wildlife agencies to bring real local data to students. Um secondly, I think we should do hands-on learning opportunities such as like student-led projects, like maybe fundraisers, stuff like that. Um third, I think we should practice more sustainability within schools and have these students try and take the sustainability efforts home. And finally, I think that we should support community effort education efforts as well. So like trying to like not just educate students but the
104whole city of Bozeman as well. Thank you for your comments. Yes. Hi, my name is Charlie Palm. I'm a student at MSU and I'm also a Bozeman resident. Climate change is already affecting Montana through increased wildfires, drought, reduced snowpack, and ecosystem changes that impact our local economies, our recreation, and our agriculture. Despite these local impacts, there's no comprehensive and compulsory climate literacy program across K-12 education in Bozeman. All students are affected by the impacts of climate change, but in particular rural, indigenous, and low-income students are disproportionately affected. Without climate education, students are are unable to engage with emerging climate concerns. Research shows that climate literacy improves students' scientific understanding, community engagement, and ability to make informed decisions. I'm here today to propose that the Bozeman School District adopt a district-wide climate literacy and action initiative
105as part of their role in determining curriculum. First, we should integrate climate education into existing science and social studies courses rather than adding separate classes. More specifically, a place-based curriculum with an emphasis on Montana natural systems in the context of climate change. Second, we should provide teacher training on climate literacy. Third, we should create opportunities for student-led projects. These could take the form of things like school energy audits, school gardens, and partnerships with local conservation organizations or MSU. Finally, we should establish a climate education advisory committee that includes teachers, students, scientists, and community members in order to oversee the implementation of climate education and continue to adapt to new climate science. The EPA environmental education grant could assist in funding this proposal, and the district could also partner with MSU and local nonprofit organizations for
106curriculum support and existing curriculum resources. The benefits of climate education are invaluable. Students will improve their scientific literacy and critical thinking. They will be connected to potential careers in climate, STEM, or policy-making fields. They will engage with their community and be able to pursue leadership opportunities. Additionally, this will allow all students to receive climate education, not just those with access to advanced resources. Communities vulnerable to climate change will be more prepared for environmental and economic changes they may face. Providing climate education is education equity, and it is a vital step in equipping Montana to combat climate change. Thank you. Thank you. Any other comments? And if you just want to push the button on the mic, that'd be great. Thank you. Next item seven is reports, executive cabinet report. Nothing. All right. 7.2 board board
107of trustees um requests, agenda items, calendar, concerns, reports. Yeah. Um Yeah, I just wanted to um briefly talk about I was at the MTSBA Board of Directors meeting. Um and uh welcome to have conversations with anybody about our our discussions, but we worked on a long-range strategic plan. Um very lively discussions about a number of things. Um the other thing I want to bring up is that I'm the municipal director, so I represent the AA Bozeman, but we are in region eight and there is no director for region eight. Um which includes encompasses like Belgrade and other school districts districts around here. If you know any trustees or if you're interested in joining the board, let me know. Um can I just continue a little bit too? I'm I I I'm hopefully going to Morning
108Star um on Wednesday morning um and getting to hear one of their early morning math meetings. So, that's my my next thing and I've been at CJ for a number of things cuz I have a student teach that teacher there. So, I've been in um the sixth grade wing in particular and it's been a lot of fun um to just be in the classroom for a 90-minute block and seeing how that 90-minute block works for math. So. Gary? Yeah, thank you. Um last week I spent 2 days tuning into the school funding interim commission meeting. I was in Helena all day Tuesday and then online Wednesday. And um that commission has a heavy load on them and I want to give a shout out to Mike Waterman and Eric Matthews for the good information and
109comments and questions they have during that session. So, thank you very much. I think the commission is uh they've got a plan working now for their June meeting. They and then they had their last meeting was going to be in August, I believe. Uh they added a July meeting because they have a lot on their plate. So, there's a 2-day July meeting. Um they do have on their agenda for staff is looking into of putting some type of ongoing process in place to study our system of education and the many issues within our system. I don't know exactly where that's going to land, but there's um seems to be interest for sure among the commissioners to uh move in that direction, which I think would really help legislators from a funding standpoint to get really
110good solid information once they have to make a decision. So, anyway, I'll um I'll stay tuned to that and uh we're fun to watch and I want to thank thank Mike for his engagement and participation in that as well as Eric. So, thank you. Any other comments? Trustees? All right. Well, um again, it's presentation season and many of you've been making many a few different ones. So, appreciate all your help in that and then also obviously the staff between Mike and Casey and Lacey and not sure if I've seen anybody else, but I appreciate everybody getting out and doing the presentations for all of our lobbies. And we've had some really good questions at them as well, so thank you for making the extra time this season. With that being said, I adjourn this meeting.