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Bigfork trustees ask administration to tighten attendance policies after workshop
Summary
At an April 9 workshop, Bigfork trustees reviewed attendance rules and directed district administrators to return with recommendations to tighten criteria for excused and unexcused absences; the board tabled broader district-future items and set meeting dates.
The Board of Trustees of Bigfork Elementary School and Bigfork High School met April 9, 2025, in the high school library and agreed the district needs firmer attendance rules. Trustees reviewed current policies on excused and unexcused absences and directed the administration to develop and present a recommendation for strengthening how absenteeism is handled.
Chairperson Paul Sandry opened the workshop at 4:01 p.m., noted trustees present and absent, and the board approved the agenda by unanimous vote after a motion from Trustee Dan Elwell and a second from Trustee Carol Field. Trustees, administrators and staff examined attendance data and policy language during the discussion; the record shows no formal vote to change policy at the workshop, only direction for staff to return with a recommendation.
Superintendent Tom Stack and building principals participated in the review. Trustees emphasized the need to tighten criteria for excused versus unexcused absences and to clarify administrative procedures for tracking and responding to chronic absenteeism. The board did not adopt a specific policy change at the meeting.
Other agenda items were deferred: a discussion on the future of the Bigfork School District was tabled, and consideration of board committees was postponed until the May meeting. The board announced regular meeting dates — May 14, June 18, July 9 and August 20, 2025 — each at 5 p.m. in the high school library. The workshop adjourned at 4:52 p.m. after a motion by Trustee Elwell and a second from Trustee Julie Kreiman, approved unanimously.
The administration is expected to return to a future meeting with a written recommendation on attendance policy and procedures.
