February 11, 2025 School Board Meeting - Supt. Summary

The following is a summary of the February 11, 2025 school board meeting. 

 

The following individuals were approved for hire:

 

Jacob Cox - Sub Teacher and Sub YBGR driver (Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch)

Reed Johnson - Asst. HS Softball Coach

John Smith - 2nd Traffic Education Instructor

Kelly Mountain Sheep - Kitchen Helper

 

Trustee Russ Dewell presented additional information and draft policies regarding naming school facilities.  It is more than likely the board will consider a policy at the March 11 meeting. 

 

TR-6's were approved.  These are bus route mileage reimbursements we receive from the state.

 

A new route bus was approved to purchase by the Trustees using bus depreciation funds.  A spare bus will be traded towards this new bus .  Bus depreciation funds are solely to purchase new route buses. 

 

The Trustees declared a Trustee election and General Fund levy election.  School elections must be declared by February 25. There are 2 - three year terms (Jay and Russ) and  a 1 - one year term (Nichole).  The general fund levy amount will be determined in March after we know more about next year's budget as well as the school funding bills in the legislature.

 

The Trustees approve Western Floors to re-sand and repaint the elementary gym floor using proceeds from the bond that we have remaining.  This will take place in the summer.

 

The Trustees approved KC Interiors to place new vinyl flooring in the elementary cafeteria.  The flooring will match the hallway flooring.  To pay for this project, we will use proceeds from the bond that we have remaining. It was identified as a safety risk with the concrete floor posing a slipping hazard.  This will take place in the summer. 

 

The Trustees approved bidding the bus barn facility on the 40 acres near the hospital.  The Trustees hired QuEst Services (Mark Qulaman) to prepare the bid documents and all appropriate documents needed to conform with statute when bidding school projects. It was discussed that funding this project will more than likely be through transportation funds and metal mines funds, and NOT the general fund.

 

The following was discussed under the Supts. report:

 

Legislature -  We are following HB252, STARS ACT very closely and in support of this bill.  This will double the quality educator payment we receive and could substantially help our general fund. 

 

General Fund Levy Discussion - Strategies were discussed on how to get the information out in the community.  Recently there was an article in the Stillwater County newspaper describing the educational needs and why we are running a levy.  A newsletter will be sent out soon to the shareholders breaking with a more in depth look at the reasons for the levy, differences in the various school funds and their purposes, and a tax impact explanation and breakdown.  Supt. Klasna will also be visiting various coffee groups around the community to educate folks.  Klasna will also have a follow up article in the newspaper in a few weeks explaining the tax impacts, etc. 

 

Negotiations Update - Supt. Klasna explained to the board that he will be talking to Union leadership to set up meetings to start looking at CBA language.  It was explained that monetary items will be paused due to the uncertainty of our school budget for next year. Hopefully, we will know our school budgets sooner than later. 

 

Accreditation Update - School accreditation is due February 28th to OPI.  Klasna explained the various components that we are required to report on.

 

Summer Facility Projects - In addition to the cafeteria flooring and the re-sanding and painting of the elem. gym floor, we will also routinely rewax/refinish the MS and HS gym.  We are also in the process of getting our HS parking lot assessed and will be pursuing repairing the entire parking lot.