Board Minutes

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
23 JANUARY 2025

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 1:41 p.m. The meeting was held 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 Elizabeth Kaleva, Kaleva Law.
II. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
III. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Principal Search & Hiring Process with Kaleva Law. Discussion with Elizabeth Kaleva for information gathering to post the open position. Reviewed the timeline – post opening for 4 weeks; the salary range – to be posted at $78,000 – $90,000; the district will pay for motel, meal and mileage expenses and depending on situation we may initially conduct Zoom interviews; interested applicants will also receive a copy of our Roots & Wings document and will be encouraged to do a walk-through during a school day; Jessica Sandven-Sorensen will be the primary point of contact with Elizabeth; the current principal contract and revised job descriptions were also reviewed.
B. Job Description revision for Principal with Superintendent Duties. Barry Farrell moved to approve the job description as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Substitute List 2024/2025. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the new hire substitute teacher/aide/custodian list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 13 February 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 13 March 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
V. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.

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

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
9 JANUARY 2025, 7:00 AM

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. Board Trustee Appreciation. On behalf of all the staff and students, Mrs. Stevens, gave recognition to and expressed thanks and appreciation to the trustees for their dedication to the district and all they do for our school.
III. Minutes of 12 December 2024. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the minutes as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IV. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
V. Information
A. Candidates for the May 2025 Trustee Election may file a Declaration of Intent. Declarations of Intent and Oath of Candidacy may be filed from December 12, 2024, through March 27, 2025. A candidate must live within the boundaries of the school district and be a registered voter. There are two positions subject to election in May 2025; both are three-year terms.
B. Aide Hiring Update. The Monday & Tuesday part-time position is still open. A specific “employment” page has been added to our website and Mrs. Stevens has also posted the openings we have at FVCC.
C. District Clerk Opening Update. The opening has been posted with various education organizations as well as the job service and other community locations and notices.
D. School Climate Data Survey Results & Gap Analysis. The school climate survey was administered in November. The results were compiled by OPI and the report was provided. An analysis of the results was completed by Mrs. Stevens and was provided to the trustees.
E. 2024 Statistical Report of Schools by Flathead County Superintendent of Schools. This report is published annually and provides information regarding budgets and student enrollment for each of the public schools in the Flathead Valley. A copy of the report was provided.
F. Audit Report. The report is still in process.
VI. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure was provided through the end of December 2024. The General Fund is 39% committed and the Total of all funds is 32% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through November 2024.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 84. In January, teachers will participate in peer observations related to our district ELA and math goals. Also, in January teachers will participate in a professional development workday for half the day. Administration of the mid-year MAP benchmark assessments began on January 6 in reading and math; the testing window runs from January 6 through January 17. Window Two of the Montana Aligned to Standard Through-Year (MAST) assessment runs from January 13 through February 21; students will complete math testlets, ELA literary and informational assessment, and an ELA performance task. We did not have bus service the afternoon of December 21, and both am and pm routes on January 2 and 3; families who use the bus were notified in advance. Monthly building inspections have been completed with no repairs recommended; over the recent school break hallway carpets and classroom rugs were cleaned, and the gym floor was polished. The facilities inventory report was provided.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson and Shanta Milne were present to share the report via a Google Slide presentation.
VII. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. Review Weapons Policies: 3310, 3311, 4315, 4332, 5223. This is an annual review by the trustees of the districts weapons policies. For review only. No action.
VIII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Kaleva Law Proposal for Principal Search Services. A copy of the Principal Search Services letter from Kaleva Law was provided. The services include advertising, distribution of and screening applications, interview logistics, and reference and background checks. The cost of the service is $5,000 plus expenses. Twila Brenneman moved to approve hiring Kaleva Law to facilitate our principal search as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Megan Derrington moved to approve the cost of the expenses involved in this process to be paid from the Eastside Interlocal account. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Learner Profile for Integrated Strategic Action Plan. The year two requirement for the Integrated Strategic Action Plan (ISAP) is to complete the learner profile which includes a graphic, the competencies and the steps to achieve the competencies – visuals provided. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the learner profile as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Certified Teacher Notification of Advancement on the Salary Schedule for 2025/2026 – CC. Megan Derrington moved to approve credit recognition to Cindi Conley as per the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement and advancement on the salary schedule when all requirements have been met. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiation with Creston Education Association. Jen Johnson, President of the CEA presented items to consider for negotiations on the 2025/2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): 1) a 1% increase to the base of the salary schedule; 2) a $150 increase to the annuity/employee benefit cafeteria plan (from $650/mo to $800/mo); 3) an increase to the stipend for multi-grade assignment from $3,000 to $5,000; 4) Add the teacher mentor program to the CBA and expand it to two years instead of one; 5) Rewording of public complaints under section 6.5 to clarify procedure and change 90 calendar days to 14 calendar days; 6) Rewording of grievances procedure under section 5.2 adding a formal step with the principal at Step II; 7) Add an appendix to include a grievance form and the salary schedule. Discussion only. As budget numbers become available further discussion will be scheduled. No action.
E. Substitute List 2024/2025 – nil.
F. Transportation Contracts – nil.
G. Before School Care Contracts. One contract was presented. Barry Farrell moved to approve the contract as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Out-of-District Requests – nil.
I. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. There are two requests: 1) Marc Milisavljevich to use the gym on Wednesday evenings, 6:30-9pm, January 15 through April 30, 2025, for basketball/recreation with family and friends. 2) Teresa Mumm to use the gym on Monday’s 4:45-6:30pm and Tuesday’s 4:45-6pm, January 13 through March 18, 2025 for a rotary basketball team she is coaching. Barry Farrell moved to approve the gym use requests as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously. There was additional discussion about possibly charging a “use” fee – Mrs. Stevens will check on this.
IX. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the claims list as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
X. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 13 February 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 13 March 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
XI. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:24 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

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

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
12 DECEMBER 2024, 7:00 AM

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:04 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, and Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher.
II. Minutes of 14 November 2024. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the minutes as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information
A. Candidates for the May 2025 Trustee Election may file a Declaration of Intent. Declarations of Intent and Oath of Candidacy may be filed from December 12, 2024, through March 27, 2025. A candidate must live within the boundaries of the school district and be a registered voter. There are two positions subject to election in May 2025; both are three-year terms.
B. Aide Hiring Update. The Monday & Tuesday part-time position is still open.
C. Audit Report. The report is in process.
D. Innovative Education Tax Credit Letter. A copy of the letter was provided. In 2025 the aggregated amount of tax credits that may be claimed statewide is $6,000,000; Creston School is able to accept up to $137,457. This is a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on a statewide, first come, first serve basis. The letter will be on the website and will also be sent out in an email to our school families. Mrs. Stevens will also send a copy of the letter to other community partners.
E. Modification Approved by Commissioner of Social Security for PERS Positions. The Social Security Administration has approved our modification under the provisions of Section 218 of the Social Security Act. In December 2022 employes covered by PERS voted in favor of also participating in social security coverage. The approval of this modification makes this an official permanent status.
F. District Clerk & Business/Office Manager Resignation – TB. Tammy Bartos has submitted her resignation effective at the conclusion of the 2024/2025 school year. Mrs. Stevens has accepted the resignation.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure was provided through the end of November 2024. The General Fund is 33% committed and the Total of all funds is 26% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through October 2024. Mrs. Bartos recently attended a NWMASS for a presentation by John Doran of MTSIA; a MASBO Budget Webinar and a MASBO Elections Workshop Webinar. A federal judge in Texas struck down the changes to the salary threshold standard within the Fair Labor Standards Act; this resets the salary threshold to the amounts prior to the July 1, 2024, changes – no further action on our part is necessary.
B. Principal. Student Enrollment is 82. The results of the school climate survey are being analyzed and will be reported in the coming months. Our special education files will be monitored (audited) by the Montana Office of Public Instruction in January, after which the district will receive a report. The Montana Department of Labor completed an inspection of our school facilities in November; there were three minor recommendations, which have been completed. At the NWMASS meeting in November, John Doran of the Montana School Insurance Alliance (MTSIA) provided an update on the formation and goals of the MTSIA; in the next few months school districts are expected to receive benefit designs and cost proposals to help determine interest with the intent for coverage to begin between July 1 – October 1, 2026. The November service project of the Bobcats/Grizzlies food drive brought in 420 items; the items were delivered to the Bigfork Food Bank. Formal evaluations for tenured teachers are complete; non-tenured teachers will receive a second evaluation in either January or February. The Montana Small Schools Alliance (MSSA) in partnership with Western Montana Professional Learning Community (WMPLC) received a grant to increase counseling and mental health services to rural schools through 2027; this grant provides access to a full-time licensed School Counselor, access for families to the Montana Cares app, and E-therapy based on a District referral. At the November assembly, teachers honored students who demonstrated the learner profile competency of critical thinking skills. We had many parents and families attend the Trimester 1 Author’s Parties to celebrate student progress in writing. We also had a great response for parent/teacher conferences. There were two recent bus recall notices: one was for an on-board diagnostics system software update which has been completed, and the other was to add rivets in the roof panel joints; however, it was determined that our bus had more than the required amount in the recall so no action was needed. Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. Sandven-Sorensen were invited and attended a Legislative Summitt hosted by the Northwest Montana Association of School Superintendents earlier this month; some of the topics that were addressed were funding, early literacy, proficiency-based education, and career and technical education. The monthly building inspection has been completed with no recommendations for repairs and the school facilities condition report was provided.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson and Cindi Conley were present to share the report via a Google Slide presentation.
VI. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Audit Contract 2023/2024. Nicole Noonan, CPA, provided a proposal and contract for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the proposal and contract as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Post Job Opening & Form Hiring Committee for District Clerk & Business/Office Manager. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen and Nevada Hafer volunteered to serve on this hiring committee. Barry Farrell moved to approve posting the job opening for a District Clerk & Business/Office Manager, the formation of a hiring committee and the appointment of two trustees to the committee as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Revisions to Job Description for District Clerk & Business/Office Manager. Minor changes to the job descriptions were provided; and one additional change requested to highlight the responsibility of election administrator in the District Clerk job description in its own statement. Barry Farrell moved to approve the revisions to job descriptions as presented with the noted addition. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Principal Resignation (RS) & Facilitator for Principal Search Services. Rachel Stevens has submitted her resignation effective at the conclusion of the 2024/2025 school year. Barry Farrell moved to accept the resignation as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously. A search service by another organization will only be sought out if Kavela Law is not available. Barry Farrell moved to approve Jessica Sandven-Sorensen to contact Kavela Law, or alternative sources if needed, to submit a proposal for Principal Search Services. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Creston Fire District Requests for their new Fire Station. Creston Fire has submitted two requests: 1) a letter from us stating that our water system, while being designated a “public water system” is designed for Creston School use only and is not large enough to supply others; 2) a letter that we are agreeable to considering an easement along the school’s north fence for the purpose of running utilities to their new facility. Draft letters were provided. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the letters in response to the requests by Creston Fire as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Transportation Contracts – nil.
G. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
H. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreements for five students that reside in our district, attending another district per request of the parent/guardian. Nevada Hafer moved to acknowledge receipt of these attendance agreements. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Attendance agreements for two students that reside in another district requesting enrollment in Creston School. Twila Brenneman moved to approve these attendance agreements. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. Stan Uskoski is requesting use of the gym on Monday evenings, 7-9pm, through May 12, 2025, to play basketball with family. Megan Derrington moved to approve the request as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the claims list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 9 January 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 13 February 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
IX. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:26 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

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

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
14 NOVEMBER 2024

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:03 a.m. The meeting was held in the gym. Present were Board Trustees Jessica Sandven-Sorensen, Megan Derrington, Barry Farrell and Nevada Hafer; absent: Twila Brenneman. Also in attendance were Rachel Stevens, Principal, Tammy Bartos, District Clerk, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher, and Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher.
II. Minutes of 10 October 2024. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the minutes as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information
A. Speed Signs Highway 35 Project Update. As of November 8, the flashing school speed lights west of the school were operational. This was the last sign needed to complete the project.
B. Aide Hiring Update. The position is still open; there have been no applicants since last report.
C. Audit Report. The report is in process and should be completed soon.
D. CBA Review ahead of Negotiations with the CEA. A copy of the current 2024/2025 CBA was provided for review by the trustees ahead of anticipated open negotiations starting.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure was provided through the end of October 2024. The General Fund is 19% committed and the Total of all funds is 14% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through September 2024. Mrs. Bartos participated in the MASBO Payroll Workshop in October. An OPI Transportation audit of the type E school bus was conducted and the District was found to be in compliance. Fall Student Enrollment Count for Average Number Belonging (ANB) was submitted; the reported enrollment was 83. The Out-of-District Attendance Report was submitted to the County Superintendent: based on the Fall Count there were 29 students reported. Several reports were submitted to OPI for Fall Reporting 1) regarding Students: Enrollment & Program Participation, Mode of Instruction, Previous Year Graduate & Dropout, Teacher-Class Courses, Calendar Validation; and 2) regarding Personnel: Fall Terms of Employment and the Compensation Expenditure Report. Information was provided to the trustees regarding the MSPLIP Annual membership meeting (there are no action items at this MSPLIP meeting).
B. Principal. Student enrollment is 82. School Accreditation/Strategic Plan Update – after the school climate survey results are received an action plan will be developed; also, the remaining year 2 requirements are being worked on. Clearwater Contracting completed the sewer line repair, and everything is functioning properly. Two assemblies were held in October: Kindergarten through third grade students attended a fire prevention assembly hosted by the Creston Fire Department on October 8; and on October 25 teachers honored students during an awards assembly. Mrs. Davidson and Mrs. Stevens participated in professional development training to increase understanding of children with anxiety and challenging behaviors. Teachers participated in a tech tools sharing session led by Mrs. Shanks and Mrs. Johnson on October 21. Teachers also participated in professional development on November 13, with a presentation by Kirsten Hopkins from Dreambox Math. The safety committee held a meeting in October. Mrs. Conley, Mrs. Davidson, and Mrs. Stevens participated in Behavioral Threat Assessment training on November 11. The first round of formal teacher evaluations are in progress. Mrs. Stevens has completed the required annual training for the role of Homeless Liaison; also, she attended a training for gifted education and is currently participating in Title IX training. This month students and staff will participate in a food drive (a Bobcats/Grizzlies competition); all donations will go to the Bigfork Food Bank. The monthly building inspection has been completed with no new recommendations and the school facilities condition report was provided. Mrs. Stevens attended the Crossroad Advisory Board meeting on October 24.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson and Cindi Conley were present to share the report via a Google Slide presentation.

VI. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. Second Reading of Policy Updates: Delete or Update: 3410F. Megan Derrington moved to approve the deletion of Form 3410-NF(1) -Student Health from the Policy Manual. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Audit Contract 2023/2024. Nicole Noonan, CPA, will be sending us a contract.
B. School Climate Survey. As part of the data collection portion of the Strategic Action Plan, surveys need to be sent to various stakeholders (staff, students, and parents/guardians). These have been developed by the OPI. A copy of each was provided. A signed parent permission will be required for students in grades 3 through 6 to participate. Barry Farrell moved to approve the school climate surveys as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Creston School Scholarship Offering to Graduating Seniors & Committee Formation. One scholarship offering of $500 to a high school senior who is a Creston School Alumni and that is college or technical school bound. Monies from the Miscellaneous Fund are used to pay for this. Barry Farrell agreed to serve on the committee. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the scholarship, the formation of a scholarship committee and trustee appointment as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Extra Duty Teaching Contract for 2025 Summer Program – MP. Barry Farrell moved to approve the extra-duty contract for Melissa Potts to teach the 2025 summer program as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Transportation Contracts – nil.
F. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
G. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreements for two students that reside in our district, the students will attend Kalispell Middle School under a district-to-district placement in school year 2024/2025. Nevada Hafer moved to approve these attendance agreements. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously. Attendance agreements for two students that reside in our district, attending another district in school year 2024/2025. Megan Derrington moved to acknowledge receipt of these attendance agreement. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. 1) Amber Lasater requested to amend her current agreement end date from November 25, 2024 to February 26, 2025 and to also change the day and time to Wednesday’s from 4:45 to 5:45; 2) The Creston Firefighters Association has requested the use of the outdoor school grounds and gym for the Creston Firefighters Association 59th Auction and Country Fair, Thursday April 3, 12:30 pm through Sunday, April 6, 2025 6:00 pm. There are addendums requested regarding a pre-auction meeting, the gaga ball pit, floor mats in the lobby and armed and unarmed security services. Barry Farrell moved to approve both facility use requests as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Megan Derrington moved to approve the claims approval list as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 12 December 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 9 January 2025, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:42 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

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

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
10 OCTOBER 2024, 7:00 AM

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, Cindi Conley, Special Education Teacher, Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher and Melissa Potts, Title Teacher.
II. Minutes of 12 September 2024. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence
IV. Information
A. Speed Signs Highway 35 Project Update. An email from Rebecca Anderson, District Traffic Engineer, Kalispell, MT DOT, was received; and the information she provided is: the project is waiting for the electrician, but is definitely on the schedule, and Flathead Electric also has the project on its schedule for the hookup as soon as the electrical work is complete.
B. Aide Hiring Update – The job is currently posted for a full-time position; however, we have a current substitute interested in a part-time position (that will be addressed in the action item portion of the meeting). If the part-time hire is approved the position will be reposted as a part-time opening.
C. Audit Report – nil.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure was provided through the end of September 2024. The General Fund is 11% committed and the Total of all funds is 9% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through August 2024.
B. Principal. Student enrollment is 83. Teachers participated in a professional development session led by Mrs. Conley about dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia as well as the special education process and procedures required by the Flathead Special Education Cooperative. Several of our teachers applied for and received math and reading grants through the Montana OPI using the Donors Choose platform. Mrs. Stevens participated in training provided by OPI for school testing coordinators earlier this month; there will be additional trainings offered. Benchmark assessments for the 2024/2025 school year are completed for math and reading with the MAP growth assessments; students needing Title I services or other interventions were identified and are receiving services. The majority of staff surveyed are in favor of exploring the idea of a four-day school week; at the same time there is a UM study recommending returning to a mandated 180 school day year and it is a possibility this issue will be addressed in the coming legislative session. Our Safety/Threat Assessment team meets monthly; the members of this committee are doing double duty on this combined team; in the future this will be split into two teams to meet the requirements for the content of the meetings. Three safety drills have been held to date: two fire drills (one with the Creston Fire Department) and one bus evacuation drill. Teacher evaluations using the Teacher EPAS are scheduled and have begun. The monthly inspection has been completed with no new recommendations and the school facilities condition report was provided.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson, Cindi Conley and Melissa Potts were present to share the report via a Google Slide presentation.
VI. Policies – Consideration of Action:
A. First Reading of Policy Updates: Delete or Update: 3410F. A recommendation to change language regarding how screening results are provided; also, a recommendation to delete this form from the policy manual. First Read – no action.
VII. Consideration of Action Items:
A. Hire P/T Aide – SM – Employment Agreement & Stipend. The original job posting is for a full-time opening; there have been no applicants to interview, and a current substitute is interested in a part-time position. Megan Derrington moved to approve hiring Sarah Motley as a Classroom, Playground, Lunchroom and Office Aide on a probationary status and approve the stipend as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. MTSBA to Review CBA and Associated Documents. We have consulted with MTSBA on specific changes when they arise; however, these documents in their entirety were last reviewed in 2019 with the Policy Maintenance review. While there are currently no specific issues to address, there has been interest in general for a review like this. MTSBA would require the trustees to sign a Labor Maintenance Agreement to do the review – a copy of their fee schedule was provided. There was discussion about the process and the consensus was to hold off on this for now. Discussion only. No action taken.
C. MTSUIP Annual Meeting. The annual meeting is October 18 in Missoula, no trustees will be attending. Information only. No action.
D. Transportation Contracts – nil.
E. Before School Care Contracts – nil.
F. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreements for six (6) students that reside in our district, attending another district. Nevada Hafer moved to acknowledge receipt of the attendance agreements. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests – nil.
VIII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the claims approval list as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
IX. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 14 November 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 12 December 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
X. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 7:46 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

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

CRESTON SCHOOL DISTRICT #9
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
12 SEPTEMBER 2024

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. Jessica Sandven-Sorensen called the Board of Trustees meeting to order at 7:03 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, Jen Johnson, CEA President and 2nd Grade Teacher and Shanta Milne, Kindergarten Teacher.
II. Minutes of 8 August & 23 August 2024. Barry Farrell moved to approve the minutes as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
III. Public Participation / Correspondence – nil.
IV. Information
A. Speed Signs Highway 35 Project Update. There is one sign left to place: the flashing “school” speed limit sign west of the school. According to our local Flathead County MDT personnel, they are waiting on a third-party electric company to put power in at the new location. They are unable to provide an installation date.
B. Aide Hiring Update. We are still looking for applicants to apply; in the meantime, we are thankful to have substitutes filling the position.
V. Reports:
A. Clerk. The Statement of Expenditure was provided through the end of August 2024. The General Fund is 11% committed and the Total of all funds is 8% committed. Accounts are reconciled to the County Treasurer through July 2024. The FY2022 & 2023 Audit report is expected to be available at the October board meeting.
B. Principal. Student enrollment is 83. All teachers and staff completed the First Aid refresher training in August. Teachers also participated in math professional development. There was a turnout of 84% for the Open House. The newly organized Friends of Creston School parent organization welcomed parents and students back to school on the first day of school with donuts and the staff received donuts and coffee; they will be hosting a costume swap and cookie decorating on October 7. Clearwater Solutions is scheduled to complete the sewer line repair the end of October. The district Smarter Balanced state testing data was provided with an update to include the state data. Benchmark assessments with the new MAP assessment system for the 2024/2025 school year are in progress for math and reading. The new Montana Aligned to Standards through-Year (MAST) for grades 3-6 will begin in October. Creston School earned Regular Accreditation Status for the 2023/2024 school year; this year we will work on the year 2 requirements. The Montana School Insurance Alliance (MTSIA) is the newly established health and wellness benefits trust; they are currently gathering data through a benchmark survey. Mrs. Stevens fills the role of the Homeless Liaison and will be completing the required training. Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Davidson are filling the role of the Indian Education for All (IEFA) Program Director for the 2024/2025 school year; Mrs. Visnovske will also serve as part of the committee. Mrs. Stevens fills the role of the Gifted and Talented Program Director. The Flathead Special Education Cooperative is staffed and providing support to our school. Mrs. Stevens serves on the FSEC Board and attends monthly meetings; she also participates in meetings with the Northwest Montana Association of School Superintendents (NWMASS) and the Rural Schools Administrators two times a month; and serves on the Crossroads Management Board which meets every other month. The monthly building inspection has been completed with no recommendation for repairs. The school facilities condition report was provided. We received wood chips from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Committee to replenish the wood chips on the playground.
C. Staff. Jen Johnson and Shanta Milne were present to share the report via a Google Slide presentation.
VI. Consideration of Action Items:
A. District Goals for 2024/2025. A review of the goals of the District that reflect the District’s Strategic Plan of Education. Twila Brenneman moved to adopt the Creston School District Goals for 2024/2025 as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
B. Emergency Operation Plan Update. The safety committee submitted updates to the Plan. Megan Derrington moved to adopt the Emergency Operations Plan as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
C. Extra-Duty Contract – Substitute 2024/2025 – BV. An extra-duty contract to substitute for various school needs, i.e. Before School Program, Teacher, Aide. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the extra-duty contract for Barbara Visnovske as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
D. MSGIA Annual Meeting. Nevada Hafer moved to elect the four candidates to the MSGIA Board of Directors as presented on the ballot and to appoint the Chairperson of the MSGIA as proxy at the upcoming Annual Meeting of the MSGIA. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Transportation Contracts. Fourteen (14) contracts were presented. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the transportation contracts as presented. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
F. Before School Care Contracts. Twelve (12) contracts were presented. Megan Derrington moved to approve the Before School Care Contracts as presented. Nevada Hafer seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
G. Out-of-District Requests. Attendance agreements for three (3) students that reside in our district, attending another district. Barry Farrell moved to acknowledge receipt of the attendance agreements. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
H. Gym & School Grounds Use Requests. A request by A. Lasater to use the gym Monday’s 5:00 – 6:00p.m. from September 16 thru November 25, 2024, for individual basketball practice with a trainer. Megan Derrington moved to approve the gym use request as presented. Twila Brenneman seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
I. Principal Evaluation (Goals) – Executive Session. Jessica Sandven-Sorenson closed the meeting at 7:40 a.m. for an executive session to conduct a personnel evaluation for Rachel Stevens. The meeting was re-opened at 8:12 a.m. Nevada Hafer moved to approve the principal evaluation of goals and to approve the executive session minutes. Barry Farrell seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VII. Claims Approval – Consideration of Action. Twila Brenneman moved to approve the claims approval list as presented. Megan Derrington seconded. Motion passed unanimously.
VIII. Next Meeting Dates:
A. 10 October 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
B. 14 November 2024, 7:00am, Regular Meeting
IX. Adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 8:13 a.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

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