Plains School Board looks at SkillsUSA chapter

The Plains School Board and local residents filled the school library Monday, during the regular school board meeting in recognition of the school's top athletes. 

Darren Standeford was honored for his role as a member of the Plains varsity football team. Teagan Saner, Alexis Deming and Claire Lakko were recognized for their efforts in volleyball. 

In cross-country, Marina Tullock and Owen Jermyn were honored. The boys’ team members Owen Jermyn, Simeon Costner, Cord Greer, Mike Reistroffer, Kalem Ercanbrack, Jack Cockrell and Brock Ryan received recognition for their third-place finish at state. 

During the public participation portion of the board meeting, teacher Kyle Mitchell addressed the board, reading from a prepared document. 

In the document he said, “As a teacher I work hard every day to provide my students with opportunities. I try to go above and beyond just teaching to provide my students with additional opportunities, such as providing dual credit opportunities, certifications and advising SkillsUSA chapter. I also try to obtain grants and donations to decrease the financial burdens to my students while they pursue these opportunities.” 

He continued, “Two months ago, Trista Feist Brown, Kristen Cole, and I put together a plan to create a SkillsUSA program for the junior high students. Funding would be covered through the 21st Century grant and Montana Advanced Opportunity Grant, meaning there should be no money coming out of the district’s general funds. At the time, there were no after school programs or clubs offered to the junior high students, so we felt that SkillsUSA could be a good fit. For those who don’t know, SkillsUSA is a career and technical organization designed to prepare student for workforce.” 

Mitchell ended his remarks with, “At the October school board meeting, the board had the opportunity to hire Trista (Brown) to begin the junior high SkillsUSA chapter. Due to low turnout by board members and the inability of one board member to set personal biases aside for the benefits of the students, we were not permitted to start the junior high program in October. It is disheartening to think that because of the inability of some board members to put the students first. This outcome has put the junior high students a month behind in many ways, such as setting up a chapter, electing officers, fundraising, and preparing for competition. On top of that the students missed also missed out on the opportunity to attend the fall leadership conference in Kalispell that was held last week.” 

The issue of the hiring of Bown was resolved later in the meeting, with Brown and Liarn Purcell being hired, using the 21st Century Grant Afterschool Program. High school senior Caleb Lakko also spoke out in support of Brown. 

Student Isaiah Paseman was chosen as the vice president of the Plains Chapter of SkillsUSA. 

Also, under the personnel section of the meeting, the board accepted the resignation of Lynn Felstet as a paraprofessional. Two paraprofessionals were hired, per board approval, Carla Kinzie and Amy Hill. Board members also approved the hiring of two additional substitute teachers, Shelby Jagelski, and Denise Montgomery.

Resident Erika Lawyer spoke to the board about them having a culture of saying no. Lawyer commented that she felt that the board wasn’t supporting the students.  

School Superintendent, Dr. Kathleen Walsh spoke about a grant of $288,000, that would allow the school to repair the gymnasium roof and install solar panels over the next 3-5 years. The school will know if the grant has been approved by early spring. Walsh also submitted a proposal to Project Aware for a mental health program that they offered the school. She felt that rural schools have been neglected. 

“We wrote a mini grant for a proposal that will happen in March. If we get it they will bring a team that will work two days in the school with the students, parents, and teachers. They will do a general assembly for the kids grades 7-12,” Walsh said. 

“Next Wednesday we are going to have a segment on the Clark Fork Radio station, a teacher will go with two or three students who will talk about topics. For example, tomorrow the topic will be about sportsmanship,” Walsh continued. “I thought it was a good way, once again, to get the voice of the kids out there,” commented Walsh. 

Topics will be aired every two weeks. Clark Fork radio is an internet-based radio station, with a limited over the air, signal. Walsh spoke about the upcoming school events starting with the school choir preforming at Fred Young Park on Dec. 18. 

The Winter Bazaar will be held on Dec. 14 with 64 booths displaying their wares. Plains VFW will have a Santa’s Workshop in the Gym. Pictures with Santa will be available.  

Elementary Principle Kevin Meredith next spoke about the drop in Plains school enrollment as of November of this year. He said the numbers are now down to 397. 

“This is the first time the school has been below the 400 number in a long time,” Meredith said. “We had a large list of Honor roll (students). To celebrate that, we will be doing an honor roll the last half hour on Friday,” Meredith said. 

He continued talking about the After School Program. They are averaging between 25 and 40 students on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

“Something new this year, we are running a bus that will take students into town and also goes to Paradise and drops students off at the Post Office in Paradise. A grant came through to pay for the transportation.” Meredith said. 

Meredith thanked the PTA for supplying meals during two nights of parent teacher meetings.

High School Principal Dr. Heidii Fettinger also spoke about the after school program. 

“We do three nights and one morning of tutoring, weightlifting, instrument tutoring, a gaming night,” Fettinger said. She said the Christmas Band concert with be on Dec. 10. 

During the new business part of the meeting shop teacher Kyle Mitchell presented students Ireland Corbin and Mackenzie Tulloch with certificates of congratulations for receiving the Statesman Award at the Kalispell Leadership conference, sponsored by SkillsUSA. Only around 200 students receive the award nationwide. 

“These students went above and beyond. They were awesome,” Mitchell said. During the conference, students toured several high-tech companies. “One of the coolest things they did,” Mitchell said, was to tour a garage with $2 million worth of cars. The students got to sit inside of Lamborghinis and one of ten 500 Shelby Mustangs.” 

You should have seen the smiles on some of these kids' faces. They were glowing,” Mitchell said.

    Plains student Ireland Corbin accepts and award from Kyle Mitchell. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Shop teacher Kyle Mitchell speaks at the Plains School Board meeting in November. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Shop teacher Kyle Mitchell gives Mackenzie Tulloch the SkillsUSA Stateman Award. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)