MHSA Rules Brought to the Attention of the Malta School Board

It was a fairly straightforward, relatively uneventful meeting, for a change, at the Malta School Board meeting held on April 12, in the Malta High School.

The biggest discussion topic comes from Mr. Nick Oxarart, the sports and activities director. He informed the board that in one of the upcoming meetings, the board would have to make a decision on how the Malta Schools would approach the use of 8th –graders in high school sports activities. The Montana High School Association recently passed a motion allowing 8th –graders to participate in high school sports, with the exception being in football.

“There has been a lot of discussion between schools as to how this will affect things,” said Oxarart. “I just wanted to bring it to the boards’ attention to start thinking and discussing these things as it will be an action item in a near-future meeting.”

Sammie Gibbs, the sophomore vice president, and Macey Blunt, the freshmen vice president informed the board of recent and upcoming activities that the student council is working on.

They to the board that the council has been aiding in the organization of the upcoming blood drive in the school. Anyone age 16 and up can participate and give blood. They have students helping in all aspects of the blood drive.

And that the snack cart is still a very popular addition in the school and is proving to be profitable.

Christina Murphy, the Malta FFA Director, updated the board on recent trips for the FFA Chapter. She said that 11 of the Malta FFA members attended CDE days in Miles City. It was their first time attending this event and it was now one of her favorite contests to go to.

They had recently attended the FFA State Convention. Tamra McDowell made it to the state competition for prepared speaking and though she did not make it to the final four, she did an amazing job.

On April 25 the FFA chapter will hold interviews for chapter officers. And on April 30, the chapter will hold its FFA Banquet in the school cafeteria, and Hi-Line Packing will be catering.

She added that they will again try to reschedule the Ag Day event that has now been canceled twice due to bad weather.

In action items, the board approved the one bid received to get the lawn fertilized.

Approved several contracts for various teachers and instructors.

The board approved the purchase of some irrigation equipment for the football field and practice field. Also approved the installation of new flooring to be put in two classrooms. A five-millimeter thick vinyl planking, to test how well it holds up compared to the carpeting that is in there now.

The board also approved having several desk-top computers be deemed obsolete and unsuitable for school purposes of the district. The computers were purchased in the fall of 2013 and though they have held up remarkably well, with the use of Chrome Books now, there is no use for them.

In closing the meeting, Superintendent Genger told all in attendance to really look into what exactly CI-121 encompasses. CI-121 is a Constitutional Initiative that would affect property taxes in Montana. It is modeled after California’s Proposition 13.

Supporters say it would cap residential property tax growth to keep homeowners from being priced out.

Critics say the consequences of the initiative could ripple across the state for generations.

Those in attendance at the meeting that has looked into it said that the trickle-down would result in putting a large burden on all farmers and ranchers.

The next Malta School Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 11, at 7 p.m.