At-a-glance: Stevensville board approves $460,914 in claims, $29,816 in student accounts; approves election contract and opens teacher negotiations

The Stevensville School Board approved routine business at its January meeting, including claims, student accounts, election administration and bargaining procedures.

Claims and student accounts: Trustees authorized 75 claims totaling $460,914.48 (claims list IDs in the packet) and approved student account disbursements of $29,816.30. Trustees asked about a large annual cooperative services fee (just under $200,000) that the superintendent said covers contracted services including school psychologists, speech pathology and related specialized services. The superintendent (S3) clarified the district holds checks until the board approves claims.

Elections contract: Trustees voted to contract with Ravalli County to administer the upcoming trustee election (administrative window listed 02/01/2025–05/31/2025). Trustees noted the county contract carries a multi‑thousand‑dollar cost, but running a local mail election would also be costly and logistically complex.

Enrollment and bargaining: The board accepted three nonresident elementary enrollments into the Carnegie program, and recognized a letter from the Stevensville Teachers Association to open formal negotiations; the board voted to convene its negotiations committee and begin the contract process.

Votes and outcomes: Each motion was moved, seconded and carried as recorded in the meeting; the transcript records 'Aye' votes and the chair declared motions passed but does not record a full named tally for each vote.