Meeting approves one-year hire of Jennifer Larson as high school science teacher pending certification

The meeting voted to hire Jennifer Larson to teach high school science for the 2024–25 school year on a one-year contract, pending that she obtain the required certification by the end of the school year. The motion to approve the hire was moved and seconded and carried without recorded opposition.

A staff member who presented the candidate said Larson previously taught grades 7–12 in Roberts for two years under an emergency authorization license and "she did start the science fair program there, and she also did some things with, NASA as far as recognition for the school," noting references supported her work. The presenter said Montana allows one-year emergency licensure and described a pathway to a permanent classroom license: if Larson's two years of experience qualify under South Dakota or Montana rules, she could pursue a Class 5 license and take the Praxis exam.

The staff member also noted Larson would not be qualified to teach dual-credit or dual-enrollment courses immediately and that the district could require a return to the hiring process if she did not obtain proper certification by the contract's end. The presenter recommended hiring Larson to fill the vacancy for at least one year; the body moved, seconded and voted in favor. The chair declared the motion carried.

No public comment was recorded on the hire. The meeting then moved to other business and adjourned.