Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Enrollment Academics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Superintendent: Enrollment edges up to 1,232; district flags math and literacy gaps and moves to buy 2025 Pacifica
Summary
The superintendent reported enrollment rose to 1,232, said assessment data will guide efforts to address districtwide math and literacy gaps, and moved during the meeting to approve purchase of a 2025 Pacifica for district transportation; the transcript records the motion but not the vote outcome.
The superintendent reported that district enrollment is 1,232 students, up from 1,230 in December, and said new assessment data will be used to pinpoint persistent gaps in math and literacy.
"We are currently seeing 1,232 students," the superintendent said, and added that the district has highlighted parts of its implementation plan in yellow and red to show progress and outstanding work. The superintendent said the district plans to convene a community input group of board members, teachers, community members and the administrative team to advise on changes to the plan.
The superintendent raised particular concern about foundational math skills among 3rd–5th graders, saying the data should reveal which specific skills students are missing and that those gaps can compound in later grades. "Math builds upon itself," the superintendent said, noting that students who miss early skills are likely to struggle in high school.
Reading comprehension was also flagged as a priority. The superintendent said large class sizes and less teacher time in the first semester limited support for some 3rd graders, and that adding an extra teacher should help the district address those literacy gaps.
On district operations, the superintendent reviewed procurement items and a proposed vehicle purchase. A 2025 Pacifica Select was presented with a listed price of $45,008.41 and dealers estimated roughly six months for delivery. The superintendent reiterated the district's practice of buying new vehicles and repurposing older ones for other uses and noted maintenance input from the district repair lead informs replacement timing.
The superintendent cited safety concerns tied to vehicle visibility and recounted a recent roadside incident reported by Mr. Mead in which a pickup that could not see over its hood struck a parent pushing a child in a cart. The superintendent used the anecdote to underline why visibility matters when selecting fleet vehicles.
At the meeting the superintendent said, "I will make a motion to approve the purchase of the 2025 price of the Pacifica." The transcript records the motion but does not include a recorded second, vote tally, or final outcome.
The superintendent also provided brief updates on athletics and on a nursing program: district staff are pursuing a nursing partnership but said they are awaiting approval from the Montana Board of Nursing for a North Dakota school to provide clinical work in Montana.
Next steps: the district will rely on assessment data to recommend academic interventions and will proceed with procurement steps if the board votes to approve the Pacifica; the transcript does not record whether the board completed that vote during this session.
