Trustees approve Salishwan High School calendar and student travel to Morocco and Spain

The Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including the approval of the Salishwan High School calendar for the 2025-2026 academic year and an out-of-country travel request for students.

The meeting began with a presentation of the new school calendar, which marks the final calendar created by Mr. Holmes before his retirement. The proposed spring break is set for the first full week of April 2026. After a brief discussion, Vice Chair Walker Andrews moved to approve the calendar, with Trustee Gamow seconding the motion. The board unanimously approved the calendar with all trustees present indicating their support.

Following the calendar approval, Assistant Superintendent Shattuck introduced a travel proposal for Hellgate High School's French, Spanish, and Arabic classes. The trip, scheduled for March 28 to April 12, 2026, will take students to Morocco, Spain, and Paris, including a homestay component. The trip aims to provide an educational experience and will involve approximately 30 students. The teachers leading the trip, who previously participated in a similar journey in 2023, expressed confidence in the safety protocols established by their travel partner, Language and Friendship.

Trustee Walker Grama raised concerns regarding potential issues with students returning to the U.S., particularly regarding dual citizenship. The teachers assured the board that no students with dual citizenship are expected to join the trip, and they will communicate with parents about any necessary considerations.

The board then moved on to an update from Vice Chair Arlene Walker Andrews regarding the Montana School Board Association. She highlighted various bills related to education, including a proposed 3% inflation increase and changes to county-wide base levies. The association advocates for several of these bills while opposing others.

The meeting concluded with no further comments from trustees or the public, and all agenda items were addressed efficiently. The board's next steps include continued discussions on legislative matters and preparations for the upcoming school year.