Staff Positions Filled at MPS

Wednesday, May 10th, was a busier than usual evening at Malta High School. While members of the community gathered in the gymnasium for the final concert with Band Teacher, Eric Engebretson, others gathered in the board room for the monthly school board meeting. This was the first meeting for newly elected board members, Angel DeVries and Katey Marquis. Chairman of the Board Carter Clausen called the meeting to order, which then began with the pledge to the flag. At a meeting held earlier in the evening, the new board members were sworn in and District Clerk Jane Knudsen was re-appointed.

There were no public input. Transportation director Pat Sargent provided an update on the various buses. The activity bus has been having issues with the lighting system, and it is an ongoing battle. They have been doing “all kinds of stuff” to attempt to get to the problem, including replacing filters, etc. Bus 2 is having leaking problems, light problems and emission problems. There is a HVAC pressure leak; the bus worked on Saturday and was down again on Monday.

Bus 3 is said to be a battle since Christmas; issues there include replacing a pump. Bus 14 MCI has parts on back order, and will need to see a mechanic when parts arrive. Bus 5 has a coolant leak; the Freightliner is having difficulties with the exterior lights and all the interior gauges, which is supposed to be under warranty. The North bus is having issues with the speedometer.

Darrow Messerly was hired as groundskeeper for the school.

Malta Middle School coaches hired were Stacie Simanton and Sue Gilkerson for Middle School track; Assistant Coach for girls’ basketball Shane Anderson was also voted for re-hire.

Superintendent Matt Genger also announced the pending hiring of Mikayla Huber for high school science. The board also voted to hire Malta graduate and teacher, Zach Handley as the Elementary School Principal. The board approved the hiring of speech pathology staff for the upcoming year, and occupational therapy staff again.

Co-operative renewals for Saco, Whitewater, and Dodson were approved by unanimous vote. Carter Clausen was selected to serve along with the new Superintendent, on the District Transportation Committee.

The Board voted to accept the bid for HVAC at the cost of $1,050,000. The 2023-2023 school calendar was approved.

The board had discussion on asphalt repair to the elementary playground and high school parking lot. It was voted to go with the bid from TK Asphalt.

The board voted on a bid from Art’s for new flooring for two rooms in the high school. Action on addressing the wrestling room were tabled until next month.

Superintendent Genger stated that there are still teaching positions and para-professional positions to be filled. Two applicants had submitted for math teaching positions. He announced that he had met with parents and students who would be transitioning to the middle school this fall; it looks like 42 will be entering the halls this August.

It was also announced that a letter of resignation was received from Kelly McCann, an individual has started the early stages of inquiring and Kelly and Mr. Genger will assist him in the matter.

The June board meeting will be moved to June 7th, to accommodate District Clerk Jane Knudsen’s schedule, please note the change of date.