Noxon board narrows superintendent search, votes to interview Jackie Branham and Joel Ramsey

The Noxon School District Board of Trustees voted to hold expedited interviews with two candidates for the superintendent position, Jackie Branham and current principal Joel Ramsey.

Board chair Miskiewicz opened discussion on the superintendent search and invited Deborah (staff/legal advisor) to explain licensing paths and the district’s options for interim, provisional or direct appointment. Deborah said an internship or provisional licensing route may be available through OPI and the University of Montana but that the district should confirm eligibility with OPI before finalizing an offer. "There have been people that that have a TTA Montana teaching certificate in this state with no principal experience that have, qualified for to, operate in the position of the superintendent," she said, adding she would check licensure questions with OPI.

Trustees split on the best approach. Several trustees said an interim superintendent or an internship‑mentorship model would protect accreditation and give the internal candidate more support; one trustee said, "I think in an ideal world, I like the interim superintendent, for to buy a year for Mr. Ramsey to mentor." Others argued time pressures ahead of the school year required a faster path. Principal Joel Ramsey urged the board to consider the needs of staff and students and said the internship route would allow him to begin mentoring work now.

After public commenters urged both transparency and caution, Trustee Bosker moved — and Trustee Manning seconded — a motion to conduct expedited interviews with Branham and Ramsey. The board took a roll‑call vote: Bosker, Beiler, Hill, Manning, Ramsey and Vice Chair Oldenburg voted aye; Chair Miskiewicz voted no. The motion carried. The board and administration discussed possible interview dates and agreed to post the agenda within the 48‑hour legal posting window and to try to schedule interviews at a time that accommodates candidates and legal counsel for closed‑session questions.

Next steps: administration will contact both candidates to confirm availability, publish the agenda and questions for the expedited interviews, and provide guidance on closed‑session procedures for sensitive reference/background questions.

The board did not make a hiring decision at this meeting; it limited action to scheduling interviews and confirming the process.