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Colstrip-area trustees set March 18 public meeting on proposed school consolidation after wide-ranging community concerns
Summary
Trustees scheduled a March 18 public meeting to gather focused input on a proposed consolidation that could move sixth grade and consolidate middle-school operations; community members, teachers and a long-serving taxpayer raised questions about athletics, busing, curriculum and transparency.
Trustees of the Colstrip Public Schools scheduled a focused public meeting for March 18 in the district auditorium to gather community input on a proposed consolidation that could shift sixth graders and alter middle-school configurations.
The board said the meeting will be a listening session and no formal action will be taken that night. Chair (speaker labeled Chair) said the purpose is to collect questions and data so the district can make an informed community decision later.
Teachers and parents told trustees they want concrete schedules and options showing how electives, advanced-placement courses and extracurriculars would be preserved if buildings are consolidated. A teacher who spoke during the discussion said, "The athletics is a concern in this case," and pressed for clarity on gym, locker-room and practice-space arrangements.
Board members and staff listed specific logistical questions they intend to answer before any decision: how many additional students would need busing if the middle school moves, whether the district can maintain separate schedules for middle- and high-school programs, how specialists (band, PE, librarians) would be scheduled, and whether auxiliary facilities would be required at the high school.
Curriculum staff said departmental leaders are preparing options and logistics and that some questions—particularly detailed day-to-day scheduling—will be handled by building-level staff and the superintendent's team. A remote participant asked whether staff-only meetings with the superintendent will be scheduled to address matters not appropriate for a public session; district staff confirmed such meetings will take place.
At public comment, Billy Beja, who identified himself as a long-time local resident and former board member, urged openness: "I just don't think there's enough transparency in what you do," he said, and encouraged residents to attend the district's community meeting.
Trustees reiterated the consolidation discussion has been under consideration for years and said they are collecting historic plans, facility studies and updated logistics to inform next steps. They emphasized there will be additional community meetings and that a final decision and timeline will come only after staff provide the requested analyses.
