Superintendent raises concern over possible utility shutoffs; district names regional principal of the year

The superintendent delivered the district's informational update at the Sept. 8 board meeting, announcing personnel recognition, partnerships and concerns about local utility wildfire mitigation plans.

"Mister Williams has been chosen as the 25 26 region secondary principal of the year," the superintendent said, celebrating the district administrator's award and asking the board to mark the achievement.

The superintendent also flagged a potential operational concern: local utility Black Hills Energy is reportedly developing wildfire-mitigation plans that could include shutting power to portions of the grid during dry, windy conditions. "So that concerns me a little bit about what's gonna happen to us if they decide to shut the power down during the school year," the superintendent said. He said he contacted Paul Thompson in emergency management to coordinate a meeting that would include Black Hills Energy, Butte Electric, the school district, the hospital and city officials to clarify how shutoffs would be implemented and which locations would be affected.

The superintendent described a new partnership with Compass Partners in Learning (formerly TIE) to support school improvement efforts, professional learning communities and paraprofessional training. He also noted a community reception and listening session on Sept. 22 at the Joy Center, open to board members and staff.

The board did not take formal action during the informational update; district staff said they will pursue interagency coordination and relay any operational impacts to families and staff as those plans are finalized.