Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Superintendent warns of welding exhaust, roof leaks and flags school funding changes
Summary
In the superintendent's report, Scobey's superintendent told trustees that welding booth exhaust is failing (students "are breathing it in pretty bad"), detailed roof preservation bids and drains needing repair, and outlined proposals under discussion at the state level to add roughly $205 million for education funding.
During the superintendent's report, the district's operations and safety issues took center stage.
Superintendent (S2) reported a problem with the welding booth exhaust in the shop, telling trustees: "kids are breathing it in pretty bad." He said staff and contractors are investigating and seeking parts, and that temporary measures (fans and open doors) are in place while a fix is arranged. The superintendent characterized the welding exhaust as a health concern that needs a prompt repair.
S2 also described roof work by a contractor identified as Theo Brothers. The contractor recommended applying a seal that S2 said could extend the roof's life an estimated 12 to 15 years; he summarized two repair options and relative cost differences: a rubber coating (about $80 per square foot) and a steel solution (about $12 per foot) and noted drainage and code issues that may require adding a second drain. S2 emphasized the plan includes replacing insulation in areas where moisture has caused underside wetness.
On state policy and funding, S2 reported feedback from a recent conference: one proposal under discussion would add about $205 million to public education funding in Montana, potentially financed by a 3% sales tax in place of the 95 mill levy structure. He said other funding options have been floated, including earlier marijuana-tax allocations and work-study policy changes that raise fingerprinting and background-check issues for students working with outside organizations.
The superintendent closed by saying the district will pursue repairs and prompt follow-up with contractors and that trustees would be kept informed of costs and timelines.
Next steps: staff will seek bids and parts to repair the welding booth exhaust and finalize roofing bids and drainage work; trustees will be updated when estimates and schedules are confirmed.
