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Bigfork trustees review MTSBA Trustee Essentials, discuss board role in student achievement
Summary
At a Jan. 14 workshop, the Bigfork School District Board reviewed the Montana School Boards Association Trustee Essentials, discussed distinctions between governance and administration, and linked effective board practices to student achievement. The board set a follow-up workshop for February.
The Board of Trustees of Bigfork Elementary School and Bigfork High School met Jan. 14, 2026, in the high school library and reviewed the Montana School Boards Association (MTSBA) Trustee Essentials during a one-hour workshop.
Board Chair Paul Sandry called the session to order at 5:28 p.m. and led trustees through the Trustee Essentials material. Trustees in attendance were Carol Field, Deb Johnson, Ben Woods, Paul Sandry, Dan Elwell, Zack Anderson and Julie Kreiman. Also present were Superintendent Tom Stack, Business Manager Lacey Porrovecchio and Principal Mark Hansen.
The board went through guidance on running effective board meetings and on the duties and responsibilities expected of trustees. The training material emphasized the distinction between the board's governance role and the administration's operational responsibilities; the meeting record does not specify particular policy changes or new performance targets.
Trustees and administrators discussed connections between governance practices and student achievement, noting the importance of clear roles and effective oversight in supporting academic outcomes. The discussion did not record specific data points or named performance targets.
The board scheduled a follow-up workshop in February (date not specified) and adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
Minutes and meeting materials indicate the session was a training and discussion; no motions or formal votes were recorded in the provided transcript.
