County superintendent reports on teacher evaluations, Hawkins scholarship and upcoming retirements

Cal Ketchum, Flathead County superintendent of schools, told the Board of Commissioners at their morning meeting that he’s completed legally required classroom evaluations this year at West Glacier and Pleasant Valley schools.

Ketchum said teacher-evaluation rules require twice-yearly reviews for teachers with three years or less of experience and less-frequent reviews for tenured teachers. "Any teacher who has three years or less experience, you have to evaluate them by law twice a year," he said.

The superintendent reviewed a change in the county’s paper procurement process. He said the county now bids and distributes primarily copier paper and that many districts choose to buy certain paper supplies directly because vendors will deliver smaller, more frequent shipments. "I don't think it is so much anymore," Ketchum said of the cost advantage of centralized ordering.

Ketchum reported on the Hawkins scholarship program: 53 students applied this year, down from about 88 the previous year; five applications were disqualified for failing to meet the 2.5 GPA requirement. He said the program can disperse about $255,000 this cycle and that awards are for first-year college expenses, paid half each semester if students meet continuing requirements. "That money that doesn't get used goes into the pot for the next year," he said.

He also described operational issues at the recent county spelling bee — problems with the sound system and the event’s pronouncer — and said organizers will consider technical and staffing changes before next year.

Ketchum announced personnel changes: Cheryl (last name not specified in the record) will retire in June and her position is being converted from a full-time FTE to a 0.65 FTE (roughly five hours per day). "She's retiring, June," he said. Ketchum added that he will also resign in June and move closer to family; he said he has spoken with potential candidates who meet the qualifications for county superintendent and is available to help with the transition.

Ketchum also disclosed a recent medical history item. "I did have open heart surgery in January," he said, and added that the procedure went well.

The superintendent's remarks were delivered during the commissioners' scheduled quarterly meeting with the county superintendent; no formal action by the board was recorded on these topics.