School Board Holds Meeting, Honors Knudsen With Bronze Mustang

At the Malta School District meeting on Wednesday, September 18, following the opening statements by Chairman Angel DeVries, and the pledge to the flag, the meeting was called to order. All other members of the board were present. Also in attendance were Darlene Kolczak, Jana Moran, Carter Clausen, transportation director, and Jake Norby, Athletic Director.

DeVries opened the evening by thanking District Clerk Jane for her 14 years as the clerk. She then presented her with a mustang bronze statue. Knudsen stated she appreciated it, and jokingly added, "I thought I was going to have to steal one!"

DeVries thanked her for her time and dedication to the school, the district and kids.

There were no comments offered at the open comment time.

A motion was made by Jessica Oyler for consent to the agenda, the bills and substitute teacher list, seconded by Katey Marquis with modifications, to approve the motion; motion passed.

The standing committee reports of the building committee and finance committee were provided. Marquis stated the district had applied for a loan through the Board of Investments. Knudsen stated she had just received word that the loan in the amount of $500,000 had been approved.

DeVries stated the building committee had met with McKinstry staff and had an assessment of the buildings and discussed pros and cons of progressing as well as what might be barriers, some compliance issues, etc.

Norby opened his administrative report by thanking Knudsen, and stating she had been to his office today and asked that he "keep it short...it was her one last wish," which brought a roomful of chuckles from the board and administration.

There are around 80 students out for sports and other activities. There are 29 girls out for volleyball, 42 are out for football, cheer has 10 out, and cross country has four athletes.

Middle school volleyball is off to a good start, they have not lost a game, yet. The eighth grade team is 6-1, and there are 29 girls out between the two teams.

There are 39 boys out for middle school football.

The projection for the next couple years is strong with the possibility of 55 boys going out for football.

He shared upcoming schedules for the various sports.

Clausen provided an update on the various buses: the transit bus bought last year is getting a new bumper, he will go to Lewistown and get it when it is ready; the Transtec bus is having arm issues, it just got new tires installed. The Strater route bus needs a new window washer, it also got new tires.

Candee's (Soennichsen) South Wagner bus uses oil, with 196,000 miles she is happy with it.

"Bus 5 still has an electrical problem, it's had it since the day we owned it," stated Clausen.

He provided an update on the activity buses, the '81, the original first activity bus the district purchased only does local trips and he added, "...it also has some gremlins as well. I don't trust sending it very far down the road."

DeVries inquired, "So what does a local trip look like...football players to the field...?"

Clausen replied, "That's a good place for it."

Bus 4 is going to Elite next week for some work.

When Bus 2 came back from Red Lodge, perhaps from the construction, they blew off an oil cooler line, Nate (Hammond) didn't know about it. Clausen spotted the drainage, then when he returned it had dropped all 20 gallons of coolant; he stated it was on the floor of the bus barn so that helped.

He put new batteries in #5; the mileage is at 2,661,000.

Not having the full line of buses operational is making it difficult. He stated there are three interested in bus driver training. Substitute drivers are needed, one driver has given notice of being off for a month, and another will be gone for a period of time.

Clausen said the computer system that was just received in May had some issues and is being sent back for a replacement.

He suggested installing a security system, he's had two calls in the night stating the lights were on in the bus outside. He isn't sure if it is kids or what. A system installed would need wi-fi.

He is in the process of putting together a bus drivers handbook.

The board also discussed bus evacuation training, which is in the planning stages.

Supt. Bucks spoke with his update including the program on marijuana. He spoke on attendance at trainings and the days off taken by staff and other staff.

He gave a report on tests taken, and Malta has above the state results.

On the agenda was contracts for the year; there is no advisor for National Honor Society, and it was decided administration would fill it.

Shon Simonson has applied as an activity bus driver.

The next item was discussion about purchasing a new black and white copier from Will's Office World. The price for each is $11,136.46 and can be purchased through one of the funds that will cover the equipment. Oyler made a motion, seconded by Brown, to purchase the copiers; motion passed.

The North Wagner route was reviewed, involving 47.4 miles, three potential families and five students. This will have to be passed before the Dodson School and the county commissioners as well as Malta, as it involves a land transfer. A motion was made by Marquis, seconded by Brown, to approve the process. The motion passed.

Bucks stated this may be the last Covid report that will be needed. Knudsen is waiting for notice to file reports.

He said some corrections and adjustments were needed on the Title 1 program, also on the Carl Perkins.

The Montana School Insurance Alliance is trying to create a trust, and Books asked for input and support on the project. The time line is in the future, so it is a ways out, which helps.

October 7th will be a program on mental health and the speaker uses music to interact with the students.

Bucks threw out that there are school funding issues coming up, as was shared at his superintendent meetings.

Kolczak shared information on retirement and transportation. She called OPI which stated they had a $30M surplus and are giving it back. Phillips County would be getting 3/4 of a million for four schools. She gave the heads up that it may be confusing and is hoping for a clearer understanding.

The meeting is recorded and available online. The next meeting is October 9 at 7 p.m.