Plains superintendent receives a vote of no confidence

Over 70 people attended the Plains School Board meeting last week, including 22 district staff members, following the Plains Teachers Organization's vote of no confidence for superintendent Kathleen Walsh.

The public participation segment, during which community members were invited to speak on non-agenda items, lasted for the first 55 minutes. A total of 14 individuals took the opportunity to share their opinions during this time. 

Longtime Plains resident and former Plains High School student, Karla Padden, was the first to express her support for teachers and emphasize the importance of doing what's best for the students.  

Following her, science teacher Brooks Sanford voiced his concerns. Sanford took a moment to thank school board member Ellen Childress for taking the time to attend his class.  

“It meant a lot to the kids, and a lot to me,” Sanford shared. 

Sanford then went on to address his concerns about the lack of support the school board is providing for the school’s sports programs. 

Retired teacher Carl Benson, who dedicated nearly four decades to the Plains School District, recently shared his experiences and reflections on the importance of strong relationships between school staff, superintendents and principals.   

“In the early 1990s I was elected as the president of the Plains Parent and Teacher Association. Then I found myself standing in front of the Plains School Board to deliver a vote of no confidence.” Benson said.  

He continued, “Those issues are tough. I’ve been through them. But we survived. Do you know why? Because at that time our school board had direct communication with the staff members to discuss and determine what the issues were. My question to this board is: Are the lines of communication between the current administration, board, and staff member open?”  

Benson finished his time by saying that if the lines of communication were not open, it would have a devastating impact on the school.  

Benson added, “I hope it’s not too late.” 

Teacher Mike Cole said he was a staff member when the last vote of no confidence was given to the board in 1992. 

“I am here representing the Plains Teachers Organization (PTO) to give the second one [vote of no confidence].” Cole said.  

“It is very difficult to make this statement. We voted last week as a union with 100% votes turned in, not unanimously, an overwhelming majority to give a vote of no confidence to the superintendent position at this time.”  

Cole spoke about the lack of teamwork leading to opposition between staff and the superintendent’s office.  

“It’s time for that to end. I think it’s time to become a team,” Cole stated. 

First-year teacher Rhiannon Greenwood voiced her frustrations with the lack of support from fellow staff members, stating, “Never have I felt so unwelcome.” 

She explained, “I tried to talk with you guys (staff members).”  

Greenwood shared that the only support she received came from Walsh and high school principal Heidii Fettinger. 

Mary Helliwell gave a speech peppered with colorful language about the accomplishments of Walsh. She expressed her support for Walsh by saying, “From the day that she first walked in, every single month there have been issues. Simply because you don’t want her here,” Helliwell continued. “I’m embarrassed to be a part of this community.” 

During Walsh's monthly report, she highlighted a $500 donation from Town Pump, which will be used to support students in Plains.  

“Unfortunately, all federal grants are currently on hold,” Walsh noted.  

She also mentioned that the district had applied for a $288,000 grant aimed at repairing the high school roof and addressing other internal infrastructure issues. 

Walsh discussed a recent training session in Missoula, attended by herself, several staff members and Plains Police Officer Rob Geenen. The training focused on helping staff identify and manage the needs of students within the district. 

In upcoming events, Walsh shared details about the second annual Forever Young event, which will take place at the school on March 20 from 1 to 3 p.m. Organized by the school's National Honor Society members and student council, the event promises to be a memorable occasion. 

Additionally, the second annual Health Fair will be held on Saturday, March 22. Sponsored by the Clark Fork Valley Hospital, the event is supported by a donation of up to $5,000 from the Clark Fork Enrichment Corporation. 

Principal Kevin Meredith discussed potential plans for implementing a new reading curriculum for grades K-6. He also highlighted the I Love to Read program, which runs through February and will culminate with a book fair. 

Fettinger shared that spring sports will begin on March 10, with students able to sign up for golf, baseball, softball and track. She also mentioned the prom dance, scheduled for March 21. In addition, mid-term reports are now available digitally through the parent portal. 

The Plains School Board reviewed the financial audit report for fiscal years 2022 and 2023, which was conducted by St. Regis CPA Nicole Noonan. In an email from board member Lana Dicken she said, “(Auditor Noonan) said, in terms of our financial statement, things are looking good (speaking of fiscal years 22 & 23). The school had good reserves and is in good financial health.” 

An out-of-state travel request by art teacher Kristen Cole for a class trip with 39 students was approved by the board. No school funds were used for the trip, which was funded by the Montana After School Alliance Program (MASAP) through Moser Transportation. The MASAP aims to strengthen communities and support youth learning beyond the school day.

The board also approved a proposal to increase the pay for junior high school sports officials to $30 per day. Walsh explained that the previous rate had been in place for a long time, and it had become challenging to recruit officials for games.  

"An increase was necessary," she said. 

Math teacher Lori Rehbein submitted her resignation, effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year. The board accepted her resignation, with one dissenting vote from board member Ellen Childress. 

In staffing news, several new hires were approved for the upcoming spring sports season.  

Jesse and Charity Jermyn were appointed as volunteer coaches, while Denise Montgomery was hired as the Head Track Coach. Jon Zigler was approved as the Head Softball Coach, and Lyle Fisher was hired as the Head Basketball Coach. The school is optimistic about fielding a baseball team this year, provided enough players sign up. 

Finally, Stanley Decker was hired for a position with the 21st Century Grant Afterschool Program. 

The meeting concluded with the approval of the school election resolution for May 6.

    Mike Cole speaks at the Plains School Board meeting last week. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Retired Plains Teacher Carl Benson speaks at the Plains School Board meeting last week. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)