Superintendent Genger To Retire... For the Third Time

On Wednesday, November 9, the Malta School Board convened and addressed regular agenda items. District Clerk, Jane Knudsen, attended via telephone, and Board Member Justin Lamb was not in attendance.

The administration stated their pride in the third-place finish in the girls’ volleyball at divisional action and the football team ending their season in such wind conditions as experienced last Saturday. Coach Oxarart had just received the All-Conference and All-State selections.

The new shot clocks are installed and ready for basketball season. There are 22 boys out for basketball, 20 girls, and 19 out for wrestling, with a handful of those being girls.

The Elementary Principals’ report was given, and the enrollment stands at 257 students. Recent activities completed were Red Ribbon Week and Orange Day, both were well received. Parent Teacher Conferences and the Scholastic Book Fair went well, also. Teachers had completed a Personal Development Day, along with the high school staff.

Friday, Nov. 11th, the Elementary School would be participating in observance of Veteran’s Day with a patriotic program at 1:45.

It was stated that the school will serve as a test pilot for Montana Alternative Testing, no dates were specified.

Under building reports, the water system will be tested for lead. The old boiler is acting up, they were advised to take advantage of it for as long as it is still working, as systems are no longer made as well as this one was.

The grade school is having heating issues; bringing in heaters does not alleviate the situation, as it blows the breakers. It is hoped to have the new HVAC working by the time school starts in the fall of 2023.

There was no report on the tile project.

Under the bus report, a driver’s book will be prepared as suggested by MHP Dan Ohl.

The building report stated a meeting is coming up; there will be priorities in mechanical issues; a building inspection is pending.

The board had received an application for out-of-district attendance which was approved. An application for early graduation was accepted, with plans in place for government class to be taken online; the student has the option to walk with the graduating class for the commencement ceremony.

The refinishing and repainting of the high school gym floor was discussed as well as the various techniques for refurbishing the floor were discussed; the process will be put out on bids.

The board voted to provide the necessary easement to property owned by Phillip Henderson and employees with the recent purchase of the bus barn from Phillip.

The bus depreciation fund was discussed and the Covid protocols did not need to be addressed at this time.

Superintendent Matt Genger provided his report, stating, he would “be retiring for the third time.” Adding “thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Superintendent…it’s just time” Genger further stated, “it’s been great, I couldn’t ask for anything else.” He said his wife told him if he wanted to return he could, and stated she is supportive, knowing he loves his job and the hi-line. He will prepare a job description similar to the one he responded to.

Superintendent Genger smiled when he stated he had completed his “Bucket List” at Malta, the district had successfully acquired a bus barn under his administration.

The next board meeting is Wed., Dec. 14th at 7 p.m.