School Board Approves Hires, Resignations

The Culbertson School Board met in regular session on Monday, Dec. 16. Trustees present were Ian Walker (chair), Wendy Becker, Amber Fox, Chris Petersen and Lisa Steppler, as well as representatives Nicole Simonsen, Mike Olson, Janessa Parenteau and Lora Finnicum. Visitors were recognized.

Reports were presented. Elementary/Junior High Science Fair is scheduled for Feb. 6. January will be honor band and choir with 25 students participating. Nicole Simonsen will be attending the re-alignment meeting in Circle with a recommendation to align districts together for basketball, volleyball and track. Math curriculum is being reviewed and samples have been ordered.

The board approved Policy 7221 regarding Financial Management.

The resignation of Jeremy Longtree was approved, as was the resignation of Larry Birch from his bus contract, effective the end of the school year or upon board approved transfer.

Destiny Thompson was approved for hire as guest teacher, pending background check. Todd Gabriel was approved as Junior High Assistant Football Coach.

Simonsen explained an upcoming grant opportunity with Montana Healthcare Foundation in partnership with Roosevelt Medical for $50,000 over two-year period to provide on-site, billable hours for mental and behavioral health counseling for students and staff training. The district will only need to provide space for counseling, not staff.

Jenna Bowker was approved for hire as Special Education Paraprofessional, beginning Jan. 2.

Resolution 24-1 for an elementary general fund budget amendment was approved for a significant enrollment increase in the amount of $19,380.

The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m.