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School board approves hires, contracts and emergency declaration
Summary
At its recent meeting, the Smith Valley Elementary school board approved the hire of a special‑education teacher, awarded multiple facility contracts (kitchen flooring and sidewalk repairs), and ratified an emergency school‑closure declaration related to a March windstorm.
The Smith Valley Elementary school board approved a package of personnel and facilities actions at its meeting, including hiring a new special‑education teacher, awarding contracts for kitchen flooring and concrete sidewalk repairs, and ratifying a declaration of emergency tied to a March windstorm.
The board unanimously (with recorded oppositions on some routine items) voted to hire Beverly Crane as the district’s special‑education teacher. "I'm Beverly Crane. I'm currently teaching SPED at Russell Elementary," Crane said when asked to introduce herself. Joe moved the hire and the motion was seconded and carried.
On facilities, the board approved a contractor to proceed with commercial kitchen flooring after reviewing three bids. Members focused discussion on warranties and the need for a vapor barrier in the scope of work. The board also voted to hire Sanden Construction Company to repair damaged sidewalks and address ADA accessibility issues along routes to the playground and portable classrooms.
Separately, the board approved a declaration of emergency under district policy 2221 and cited MCA 20‑96 for the March 12, 2026 closure recommended by county emergency officials and the sheriff’s office amid a severe wind forecast. Members discussed whether a makeup day was required and confirmed the declaration covered district closures on that date.
The meeting also ratified routine intergovernmental agreements, including the 2026–27 meal agreement with District 5 and the FY27 Evergreen Platted Crossroads interlocal agreement. Several votes were moved, seconded and carried during the session; where recorded, at least one member registered opposition on some routine items but motions passed.
Board members said next steps include finalizing contractor schedules to coordinate summer work and following up on personnel onboarding for the new SPED hire.
