Board approves SMA concept phase for new elementary planning; signs Intermountain mental‑health contracts and United Way MOUs

The Belgrade School District board approved an incremental authorization for SMA to begin program and conceptual planning for a proposed new elementary school and approved several agreements to restore and expand student mental‑health services.

Facilities: Brian (presenter) explained SMA’s fee proposal, negotiated down in committee discussions, and described an incremental, phased approach beginning with programming and concept design work. A trustee asked for a cost breakdown showing subcontractor and out‑of‑state spending; the board approved the SMA proposal limited to the program/concept phase only (motion carried 6–1) and asked staff to return with additional subcontractor cost details before later phases.

Mental health and partnerships: The board approved two MOUs with Greater Gallatin United Way — a KidsLink after‑school program MOU and a data‑sharing agreement required for a federal 21st Century Learning Center grant — unanimously. Trustees also approved an updated MOU with Montana DPHHS (voluntary intergovernmental transfer for CSCT services) and a suite of contracts with Intermountain to provide CSCT, home support services (HSS) and SVOT‑style therapy supports in district schools. Administrators stressed the HSS and SVOT arrangements are intended to wrap services to families and are billed to insurance or Medicaid when appropriate; trustees asked administrators to ensure billing transparency and avoid unexpected charges to families.

What’s next: SMA will proceed with the program/concept phase; facilities staff will seek further cost detail on subcontracting. Intermountain will begin coordinating with district staff to staff offices and provide services; administrators said these programs do not cost the district directly in initial HSS cases and that CSCT funding is structured to produce a net positive for the district when applicable.