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Parents raise elementary enrollment concerns; board holds first readings on graduation and attendance policies
Summary
Parents urged trustees to address declining elementary enrollment and possible reductions in third-grade classrooms. Administrators presented first readings of Policy 2410 (graduation requirements) and Policy 3122 (attendance); no votes were taken on policy changes.
Bigfork, Mont. — Parents and community members pressed the Bigfork School Board on June 10 about shrinking elementary enrollment and potential class-size reductions, while administrators presented first readings of proposed changes to high-school graduation and district attendance policies.
Parent Carolyn Cosgrove warned trustees that current enrollment trends could reduce the number of third-grade classrooms from three to two next year, a change she said would affect families and classroom dynamics. Resident Sara McDonough raised a related concern and asked trustees to avoid penalizing students for non-school activities such as theater and club sports when revising the attendance policy.
Superintendent Tom Stack and principals described enrollment declines at the elementary level contrasted with stable high-school numbers. Mr. Stack explained how enrollment counts, accreditation rules, budgeting and staffing costs influence decisions about class configurations. Principals Brenda Clarke and Charlie Appleby reported year-over-year attendance improvements and provided counseling and activity updates; Principal Mark Hansen noted attendance improved after implementing a stricter policy and outlined recent programming, including drivers education, band and dual-enrollment opportunities.
The board heard first readings of Policy 2410 (High School Graduation Requirements) — with proposed changes to elective requirements — and Policy 3122 (Attendance Policy). Administrators, including Mr. Hansen and Mr. Appleby, described suggested edits; trustees discussed implications but took no final action, as both items were at first reading. Business Manager Lacey Porrovecchio said she will return in July with final fiscal figures related to year-end transfers discussed elsewhere on the agenda.
Lili Suffia, the incoming 2026–27 Student Body President, introduced herself and shared her campaign video during the meeting.
The board will continue the policy-review process in future meetings and expects the business office to present the exact transfer amounts at the July 8 meeting.
