Plains School Board looks at declining enrollment

The Plains School Board had a full agenda for its September meeting, which included almost 40 residents attending.  

The meeting was called to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The previous meeting’s minutes were approved.  

Board member Ellen Childress asked for clarification of the superintendent report from last month and requested clarification on the recent County School Superintendent luncheon.  

Plains School Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh said it was a general meeting of school superintendents from western Montana, with about 30 people attending.  

“We are watching where we go with monies and what is happening and the struggles with enrollment and things of that nature,” Walsh said. “I did speak to them about the need of mental health services and support for our teachers in the classrooms, students and families.”   

Board Chairman Beau French asked for any public participation on non-agenda items. It was then Plains teacher Lisa Brown asked if elementary field trips were discontinued.  

“No one, to my knowledge, has cut trips of that nature,” Walsh said. “We have money in the budget for field trips.” 

Local resident Erika Lawyer expressed her concerns about school sponsored events that compete with local activities. She specifically mentioned last year’s school trunk or treat. 

“If you want to build community involvement in town, what’s the biggest venue in town?” she asked. “Elementary Christmas concerts, high school homecoming game, basketball games. People turn out because they want to see our kids working hard and doing things they enjoy. I don’t think they care about a super senior prom, and I think they don’t care about our teachers putting in the extra mile to put on a trunk or treat together when our downtown businesses are taking care of it.” 

Under the superintendents’ report Walsh commented that the school started out with one vacancy and that has been filled by a full-time substitute teacher, Dwight Bowen. 

“A potential candidate has been found and once references have been checked everything is in order and the board approves, we are hopeful by the end of this marking period the teacher will be able to come on board,” Walsh said. 

 She continued about this year’s adult classes. 

“Hopefully we will have pickleball and a walking club,” she said. “During the winter months, we will have a cooking class. I am looking into a possible cyber security thing, possibly at the beginning of the new year.”  

The public can contact Walsh for additional ideas for the adult education classes.  

When asked about the decline in student enrollment, Walsh said, “We will continue to work diligently to support our schools and work on building our enrollment. Enrollment is everyone's responsibility. Creating an awareness of the great educational experiences that are available, along with a robust extracurricular program, will hopefully interest parents in enrolling their children. If over the years a decline should continue, we will make the necessary adjustments needed in restructuring programs, but we will not compromise the quality of instruction provided to the students in the Plains Public School District. Positive solutions to difficult situations will be our main course of action.” 

Plains Elementary School Principal Kevin Meredith also spoke about the decline of student enrollment. Meredith supplied a graph showing school enrollment starting during the 2009-2010 school year.  

That year showed student enrollment at 431 at the beginning of the year. The peak numbers during the graph period were in 2019-2020 at 471. This year, student levels are at 405. 

New high school Principal Dr. Heidii Fettinger raised concerns about the need for two principals with the declining student enrollment.  

Fettinger asked, “Is that something we need to start looking at seriously if the numbers continue to decline?”  

Walsh replied that the district had “begun these conversations internally.” 

Under new business, several individuals were given awards. Students Ireland Corbin and Victoria Swanson received recognition for the entries in the Patriotic Art Contest. 

On hand during the meeting were town individuals, Cory Talbott and Brad Kastelitz representing the Ameresco company. They are a company that assesses facilities needs and repairs. After a thorough investigation of the Plains school facility several repairs were suggested including upgrades to the mechanical systems, lighting upgrades, repairs to the gym roof, insulation of windows and electrical upgrades. The company also helps school districts apply for grants to make the necessary repairs. A presentation for possible solar panels was discussed.  

The school board members voted to become a limited member of the Cabinet Mountain Cooperative. Staff member Taylor Salmi presented the presentation to the board. They are an organization based out of Thompson Falls that provides services to help students, administrators, parents and school districts.  

The following individuals were hired to fill the positions, with funding provided by the 21st Century grant. Program director hire was Plains teacher Kristen Cole; data entry hire was Plains Secretary Catharine Elliott; tutor hire was Plains teacher Lisa Brown; tutor hire was Plains teacher Lara Hagerman; K-6 grades program staff Jill Louws and Shelby Schwall; National Honor Society advisor Heather Worrall; and concessions advisor Samantha Bebb. 

 The 2024-2025 out-of-district attendance agreement was approved by the board, with five students coming into the program and one leaving.

    Plains resident Erika Lawyer expresses concerns about businesses and schools sponsoring the same events at a recent school board meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Cabinet Mountain staff member Taylor Salmi speaks to the Plains School Board about the organization that provides services to schools. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Art teacher Kristen Cole gives the Patriotic Art Contest Award to Plains student Victoria Swanson for her 2D entry "What We Swore To Protect." (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)