Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
21 May 2025

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:47 a.m. The meeting was held remotely via a Zoom platform. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, and Gina McWilliam, District Clerk in training.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Information
A. Resignations – CS & JH. Cassandra Sydnor, Custodian, has submitted her resignation effective June 6th. Mr. Hagen, Bus Driver and Maintenance, has submitted his resignation effective June 15th. Mrs. Stevens has accepted the resignations.
IV. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Resolution Request County to Conduct School Elections FY2026. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the resolution requesting Flathead County conduct the 2026 elections as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Hiring Process for Custodian, Maintenance and Bus Driver Positions. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the hiring process begin for the openings of custodian, maintenance and bus driver and trustee volunteers for the hiring committee as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Twila Brenneman volunteered to serve as trustees on the hiring committee, with the remaining trustees available if there is conflict in scheduling.
C. Extra Duty Contracts Custodian and Maintenance. While the district conducts a search for qualified applicants to fill the open positions, Cindi Conley has agreed to take care of the custodial and minor maintenance duties this summer. Megan Derrington moved to approve the extra duty contract for Cindy Conley for the assignment of custodial and maintenance duties as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
V. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 June 2025, 7:00 a.m. Regular Meeting
B. 14 August 2025, 7:00 a.m. Budget & Regular Meeting
VI. Adjourn. Meeting was adjourned at 7:58 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REORGANIZATION & REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
8 MAY 2025

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:01 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Gina McWilliam, District Clerk in training, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher, Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher and Crystal Bridges, Friends of Creston.
II. Minutes of 10 April 2025. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Results of Trustee Election. There were two trustee openings and two candidate filings; the election was cancelled by acclamation. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the trustee election results as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
V. Oath of Office for Newly Elected Trustees. In the absence of the Flathead County Superintendent of Schools, Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair administered the Oath of Office for the elected trustees: Megan Derrington and Barry Farrell.
VI. Adjourn Meeting. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 a.m.

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:05 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Gina McWilliam, District Clerk in training, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher, Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher and Crystal Bridges, Friends of Creston.
II. Reorganization of the Board of Trustees
A. Nomination and Election of Board Chair. Twila Brenneman nominated and moved to elect Jessica Sandven-Sorensen as Board Chair. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Nomination and Election of Vice-Chair. Barry Farrell nominated and moved to elect Twila Brenneman as Vice-Chair. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Appointment of District Clerk. Twila Brenneman moved to appoint Tammy Bartos as District Clerk. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Approval of Board Meeting Date and Times for 2025/2026 School Year. Twila Brenneman moved to continue having regular meetings at 7:00 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence.
IV. Information
A. Creston School Scholarship Committee. Malia Simonson was the recipient of this years $500 scholarship. A certificate of award was presented to her at the school assembly on April 25th. The monetary amount will be given once proof of registration is provided.
B. ESEA/ESSA Title Programs Desk Monitoring. The Montana Office of Public Instruction conducted a desk audit of the ESEA/ESSA Title Programs (Title I-A, Title II-A, Title III-A, Title Iv-A) and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Program. The report identified zero program findings that necessitate a response and corrective measures from the district. A copy of the official letter and certificate was provided.
C. Propane for Bus. CityServiceValcon provided a proposal for our propane needs to fill the bus. They propose to fill our school bus at Creston School using a CSV propane delivery truck as a temporary service while they work to find a long-term solution. Pricing will be based on the current market. A copy of the letter was provided. There will be no contract to sign for this service.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure was provided through the end of April 2025. The General Fund is 61% committed and the Total of all funds is 49% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasure through March 2025. Recent professional development included the MTSBA/MASBO Employment Hot Topics and weekly MTSBA Legislative Updates.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 85. REAP/SRSA grant award application process has been delayed; schools will be contacted when it opens. The Title VI agreement required by the USDOE was submitted for Creston School on April 17, 2025. Third through sixth grade students completed the third MAST assessment window on May 2nd; there is one more assessment window in May; OPI is conducting a review of the MAST assessment this summer to refine the descriptors and competencies. Fifth grade students completed the state science assessment in April. MAST and Science assessment results will be shared with Board, teachers and parents as they become available. Kindergarten Roundup was held on April 30; currently we are predicting our enrollment for next year at approximately 12 Kindergarten students. Kindergarten through sixth grade art, writing, and projects will be featured in the gym on May 20 during the Learning Fair. On April 21 Mrs. Stevens met with the teachers to plan for the upcoming school year. School Spirit Days will be held the last week of school. A drawing for three Kindles, donated by the Kalispell Masonic Lodge #42, will be held at the ice cream social for our “I Love to Read” contest. Monthly building inspections have been completed with no recommendations for repairs and the facilities inventory report was provided.
C. Staff. Teachers that were present provided additional information during the Google Slide presentation.
VI. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. Policy 1400 – Board Meetings. Review for information only. No action.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations with Creston Education Association. The CEA has approved the proposals and changes to the CBA and salary schedule as presented to them after the 10 April 2025 board meeting. The CBA for 2025/2026 has been updated with all negotiated changes. Barry Farrel moved to approve the CBA for 7/1/2025 to 6/30/2026 as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Teacher Contract Renewal 2025/2026 including Renewal or Non-Renewal of Non-Tenured Teachers. Megan Derrington moved to approve the contract renewals for the list of Tenured Teachers for the 2025/2026 school year as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Megan Derrington moved to approve the contract renewals for the list of Non-Tenured Teachers for the 2025/2026 school year as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Crossroads Interlocal Agreement for 2025/2026. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the Flathead Crossroads Interlocal Agreement for fiscal year 2025/2026 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. SPED Coop Preschool Interlocal Agreement for 2025/2026. Megan Derrington moved to approve the FSEC Preschool Interlocal Agreement for fiscal year 2025/2026 as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. SPED Coop STAR Interlocal Agreement for 2025/2026. Megan Derrington moved to approve the FSEC STAR Interlocal Agreement for fiscal year 2025/2026 as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. 2025 MTSBA Annual Meeting – nil.
G. Individual Transportation Contract Approval (OPI Form TR-4) – nil.
H. Harvest Haying Agreement at 131 Creston Road with S. Wagoner. Steve Wagoner will harvest the hay and in exchange our property will have some needed maintenance – there is no exchange of money. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the haying agreement with Steve Wagoner as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Transportation Contract – nil.
J. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
K. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreements for 19 students, grade K – 6, requesting enrollment in Creston School District as their school of choice for the 2025/2026 school year. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the attendance agreements as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
M. District Clerk Evaluation – Executive Session. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen determined that the demands of individual privacy clearly exceed the merits of public disclosure and at 7:37 am closed the meeting for an executive session to conduct the personnel evaluation of Tammy Bartos. The meeting was reconvened in open session at 8:13am. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the personnel evaluation of Tammy Bartos and to approve the executive session minutes. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the claims approval list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 August 2025, 7:00am, Budget & Regular Meeting. Note that the 12 June 2025, 7:00 am Regular Meeting was unintentionally left off the agenda.
B. 11 September 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:16 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
10 APRIL 2025

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:02 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher, Shanta Milne, Kindergarten Teacher, Melissa Potts, Title Teacher and Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher.
II. Minutes of 13 March 2025 & 19 March 2025. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information
A. Safewater Testing Simplified Letter -New Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS. EPA has made a ruling that requires public water systems to monitor for PFAS; there will be additional sampling and laboratory costs for this new requirement.
B. Amerigas Kalispell Propane Dispenser to be Deactivated. The District has been notified that Amerigas will be deactivating the propane dispenser we use to fuel our bus effective 8/1/2025. Mrs. Stevens and Mr. Hagen are in the process of locating a new source for our propane needs.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure was provided through the end of March 2025. The General Fund is 54% committed and the Total of all funds is 43% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through February 2025. Recent professional development included the MASBO/MTSBA School Budget Symposium, MASBO Region 1 meetings, MTSBA/MASBO Employment Hot Topics Webinar and weekly MTSBA legislative updates. The Clerk evaluation tool will be sent out later this month. The United States Department of Education (USED) has released the 2023 Census data regarding population, and poverty estimates for all Local Education Agencies; they use this data to calculate school year 2025/2026 allocations under Title 1, Part A – Information was provided.
B. Principal. Student Enrolment is 83. The evidence for the ESEA/ESSA Monitoring was submitted March 31, 2025; upon completion of the review a report of the findings will be sent to the district. Mrs. Stevens has engaged staff in conversations about the transition for next year and the opportunities for growth and new experiences; she has also been in touch with Dr. Peterson to discuss opportunities to work together to assist with the transition in administration; (Dr. Peterson has stated she is looking forward to working together to provide a smooth transition for staff, students, and families). Fifth and sixth grade student volunteers served as runners for the Creston Auction – Mrs. Johnson coordinated and supervised this community service project again this year. Mrs. Stevens regarding the Creston Auction: “We’d like to express appreciation to the Creston Volunteer Fire Department for returning the gym and grounds in great condition; we value the continued partnership Creston School has with the Creston Volunteer Fire Department.” Kindergarten Round Up is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025; appointments are being scheduled. Mrs. Milne, Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Stevens will be attending a new math standards training provided by Montana Small Schools Alliance on April 16; the new Montana Mathematics Standards are scheduled for implementation in July of 2026 and the workshop will prepare for the implementation by exploring the new Montana Mathematical Practices Standards. Monthly building inspections have been completed with no repairs recommended. The facilities inventory report was provided.
C. Staff. Teachers that were present provided additional information during the Google Slide presentation.
VI. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. Revise District Clerk Job Description. To be prepared for the passage of new legislation in HB252 and to qualify for the payment provided for in the proposed revision of 20-9-327 MCA, an update to the District Clerk job description is needed. Barry Farrell moved to approve the revisions to the District Clerk job description as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations with Creston Education Association
1. Revised Preliminary General Fund Budget Fiscal Years 2025/2026 & 2026/2027.
A Pre-Session Preliminary Budget Data Sheet Including HB15 Inflationary Increases from OPI was provided along with a revised Preliminary General Fund Budget and Notes to such. Nevada Hafer moved to approve as discussed and presented as follows: 1) agree to a 1% increase to the base of the salary schedule for 2025/2026 and add language to section 11.1 of the CBA to meet the legislative goal for base teacher pay as proposed under HB252 and to 20-9-324 MCA and in the event HB252 fails to pass this language to become null and void; 2) agree to the increase in the multi-grade class stipend from $3,000 to $5,000; 3) agree to add a new section addressing a mentor program with compensation of $1,500 for the first year and $1,000 for the second year; 4) agree to the rewording of complaints section 6.5 as rewritten and presented today; 5) agree to the section 5.2 Procedure regarding grievances as rewritten and presented today; 6) agree to the grievance form and adding an appendix with appendix A – Grievance Form and Appendix B – Salary Schedule. (Note: the original item #2 request for an increase to section 11.4 Annuity was withdrawn at the 3/19/25 board meeting.) Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously. The negotiated items will be presented in full, in writing to the CEA for their response.
B. Open Teacher Position 1.0 FTE for 2025/2026. Other options have been developed to fill the position in-house and reduce the budget deficit; postponing hiring this position. Information only.
C. Trustee & Levy Election Cancellation. Our trustee and levy election has been cancelled. The trustee election was cancelled by acclamation. The notice of cancellation was forwarded to the appropriate county officials on April 4, 2025. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the election cancellation as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Staff Handbook 2025/2026. -nil.
E. School Closure 1 April 2025 – Unforeseen Emergency. Due to extreme weather conditions and a power outage at the school we had an unforeseen emergency school closure on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Megan Derrington moved to approve a resolution declaring an unforeseen emergency cancelling school on April 1, 2025, this day will not be made up as per the provision of MCA 20-9-806(2). Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. District Clerk & Office/Business Manager in Training Hire & Probationary Contract. Twila Brenneman moved to approve hiring Gina McWilliam as District Clerk & Office/Business Manager in Training on a probationary status as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Revise Summer Program Employment Contract – MP. An amendment to strike the wording/requirement of program days of Monday – Thursday; Mrs. Stevens and Ms. Potts will collaborate to develop a schedule that will still be the desired 12 days. Megan Derrington moved to approve the amended summer program extra-duty contract for Melissa Potts as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. MSSA Programs 2025-26 Letter of Agreement. The Montana Small Schools Alliance (MSSA) provides appropriately endorsed professionals to help our district meet the Library and Guidance Chapter 55 requirement. This request also includes the Curriculum Consortium Agreement to meet our Title II federal requirements. The agreement also includes the NWEA/MSSA Map Assessment Testing; the NWEA program meets the new State requirement for a research-based assessment tool and we will utilize testing for MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) growth & reading fluency. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the Letter of Agreement for MSSA Programs 2025/2026 as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Bus Stop Request. Addition of a bus stop allowing students to cross the street. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the bus stop as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Substitute List 2024/2025. Barry Farrell moved to approve the new hire substitute teacher/aide/custodian list as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
K. Transportation Contract. One (1) contract was presented. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the transportation contract as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
L. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
M. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreements for two (2) students residing in another district and requesting Creston School District as their school of choice. Megan Derrington moved to approve these attendance agreements as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
N. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. A request to use the gym by the Many Lakes HOA for a Living with Wildfire Community Event, dates requested 4/18 – 4/19. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the use request as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the claims list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 8 May 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 12 June 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
19 MARCH 2025

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustee meeting to order at 3:54 p.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer; absent: Megan Derrington. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher, Shanta Milne, Kindergarten Teacher, Melissa Potts, Title Teacher and Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Principal Contract 2025/2026. At the March 10, 2025, meeting the trustees voted unanimously to offer the Principal with Superintendent duties position to Cheryl Peterson, Ed. D. On behalf of the district, Elizabeth Kaleva presented the offer and negotiated a two-year employment contract commencing on July 1, 2025. Barry Farrell moved to approve the Principal Contract with Cheryl Peterson as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Trustee Resolution – Notice of Intent to Increase/Decrease Non-Voted Levies for 2025/2026
1. OPI Pre-Session Budget Data Sheet – report provided.
2. Preliminary General Fund Budget Fiscal Year 2025/2026 – report provided.
This is a required notice estimating changes in non-voted levies and listing the expected use of the Building Reserve State Major Maintenance levies. All funds were listed in the resolution to give a more complete overview of next year’s estimated levies. A preliminary General Funds Budget for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and OPI Pre-Session Budget Data Sheet were provided and discussed along with the Resolution itself. The septic system upgrade was requested to be added to the notice. Barry Farrell moved to approve the Resolution. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations with Creston Education Association. Discussions regarding the information provided with the preliminary budget and requested item for negotiations. There are financial implications dependent on the outcome of the State Legislative Session and no final decisions were made. Discussion only.
IV. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 5:06 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
13 MARCH 2025

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:02 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher, Shanta Milne, Kindergarten Teacher, Melissa Potts, Title Teacher and Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher, and Nicole Noonan, CPA.
II. Minutes of 13 February, 26 February, & 10 March 2025. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence
IV. Information
A. Hiring Updates:
1. Part-Time Aide – interviews were held on February 5; however, the position remains unfilled; while the budget and enrollment for 2025/2026 are under consideration filling this position is on pause.
2. District Clerk & Business/Office Manager – Interviews were held February 28; however, the position remains unfilled; additional interviews are set for March 14.
3. Principal – Interviews were held March 10; we are waiting to hear back from Kaleva Law regarding the offer that was made.
Barry Farrell left the meeting at 7:20 a.m.
B. Audit Report. Nicole Noonan, CPA presented the audit report for fiscal years ended June 30, 2022, and 2023.
C. Special Education Division of OPI – Compliance Monitoring. OPI has determined that the district has met the standards for compliance – a copy of the letter was provided. Monitoring was to determine whether Creston is fully meeting its responsibilities to ensure that education programs for children with disabilities are administered in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Administrative Rules of Montana.
D. Fire Inspection Report. Both our main building and the annex were inspected on 2/26/2025. The inspections were approved with no violation noted – copies of the reports were provided.
E. Teacher Resignation – JW (aka JH). Janessa Williams (Harkins), 5th and 6th grade teacher, has submitted her resignation effective the end of this school year – copy of the letter and the acceptance from Mrs. Stevens were provided.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure was provided through the end of February 2025. The General Fund is 53% committed and the Total of all funds is 43% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through January 2025. Recent professional development meetings and trainings included Human Resources, OPI Tuition Reporting, and School Budget. Data entry of all current attendance agreements for district of choice in MAEFAIRS system has been completed – final data must be submitted after the last day of school and by June 30.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 82. Teachers participated in IEFA professional development developed by Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Davidson. Mrs. Johnson has agreed to volunteer to coordinate and supervise 5th & 6th grade student volunteers to serve as Creston Auction runners and selecting students is in process. The Family Event committee planned an Art Night that was held in partnership with the Artists and Craftsmen of Flathead Valley; the event was March 11 and was a success. On March 7 students selected books during a book swap; families donated books and Super 1 Foods donated reusable bags. Mrs. Johnson wrote and received the Karen Cox grant award in the amount of $494.88 for hands on, interactive spelling and phonics kits. The evidence for the Year 2 Accreditation Cycle was submitted to the Montana OPI on February 13. The CRDC data collection was completed, and the data was certified and submitted February 21. Monitoring for our Special Education program was in January and notice that the district met the standards for compliance has been received. The data collection for ESEA/ESSA monitoring is underway. Students and staff participated in a Shelter-in-Place drill on February 19. The Creston School Brochure was updated and will be provided at various locations/events. Monthly building inspections have been completed with no repairs recommended. The facilities inventory report was provided.
C. Staff. Teachers that were present provided additional information during the Google Slide presentation.
VI. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. MTSBA 11/26/24 Policy Notes – 2nd Read: 5120F-Determination Form, 5120F – Dissemination Log, 5120P, 3311, 4332, 5223, 1240, 1332, 3141, 3416, 3612P, 3600F, 4340, 5251, 5334, 5450P, 7525; New: 5122F; Delete: 5120F-Notice… & 5120F–Re-Dissemination… Twila Brenneman moved to approve the policy updates as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Trustee Resolution – Notice of Intent to Increase/Decrease Non-Voted Levies for 2025/2026
1. OPI Pre-Session Budget Data Sheet
2. Preliminary General Fund Budget Fiscal Year 2025/2026
The information for this item will be provided/discussed at a future meeting. No action.
B. Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations with Creston Education Association – nil.
C. Student Handbook 2025/2026. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the Student Handbook for 2025/2026 as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. School Calendar 2025/2026. Two options were presented. Option 1 has a start date of August 27, and an end date of June 9. Option 2 has a start date of September 2 and an end date of June 12. Megan Derrington moved to approve option 1 of the 2025/2026 School Calendar as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Begin Hiring Process for a 1.0 Teacher Position for 2025/2026. Twila Brenneman moved to approve posting an open 1.0 FTE Teacher position for the 2025/2026 school year as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Barry Farrell to serve as trustees on the hiring committee.
F. Property Disposal Resolution. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the property disposal resolution as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Transportation Contracts – nil.
H. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
I. Out-of-District Requests. An attendance agreement for a student that resides in our district, attending Evergreen Crossroads. Megan Derrington moved to approve the attendance agreement. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously. An attendance agreement for a student that resides in our district, attending another district per request of the parent/guardian. Megan Derrington moved to acknowledge receipt of this attendance agreement. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
J. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
VIII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Megan Derrington moved to approve the claims list as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 April 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 8 May 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:32 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
PRINCIPAL INTERVIEWS
10 March 2025

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 5:12 p.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Twila Brenneman, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer. Also in attendance: Elizabeth Kaleva, legal counsel, various teachers, staff and community members.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Principal Interviews including an Executive Session. Fernanda Adame and Cheryl Peterson were interviewed. At the conclusion of the interviews, public comment was taken. At 6:43 p.m. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen determined that the demands of individual privacy clearly exceeded the merits of public disclosure and closed the meeting for an executive session to review the results of the background checks with legal counsel, Elizabeth Kaleva. The meeting was reconvened in open session at 7:29 p.m. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the executive session minutes. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Additional comments were made by the trustees. Megan Derrington moved to offer the position and a contract to Cheryl Peterson. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Elizabeth Kaleva will negotiate the terms of an employment contract.
IV. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:32.

Respectfully Submitted,

/s/Tammy Bartos, District Clerk
/s/Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Board Chair