Plains superintendent contract focus of public comments

The January Plains School Board meeting drew a large crowd, with attendees expecting a discussion about Superintendent Kathleen Walsh's contract and performance.

During public comment, longtime resident and former school counselor Betty Taylor voiced her concerns in a prepared statement, claiming the superintendent had breached her contract. 

“The superintendent is in breach of the contract for failing to meet the July 1, 2023, deadline to obtain a Class 5 Superintendent’s certification,” Taylor said.  

She continued, “The contract was further breached by her failure to meet the June 30, 2024, deadline for obtaining a Montana teacher’s certificate with a Superintendent’s endorsement. The superintendent’s certification wasn’t posted on the OPI website until January 19, 2025.” 

Teresa Garrison offered a different perspective during public comment.  

“When I first heard that you guys [school board] hired a superintendent from New York I’m sure my eyes went to the back of my head,” she said. “At the time I didn’t think a person from New York could relate to what we have going here. I decided to go in and talk with her. I left feeling from her that she wanted to apply everything she could for the students to receive a quality education. It’s evident to me that Dr. Walsh cares deeply about the students and their education. For quite a while there have been changes that needed to be made in this school. I think you would be hard pressed to find somebody with the experience and the caliber of Dr. Walsh who cares for the kids as much as she does.” 

Later during public comment, Board Chair Beau French reminded the meeting participants, “Anyone that has anything to do with a personal or exact issue that you may have with Dr. Walsh. I will not allow anybody that has anything directly or specifically state anything that has been done in the past. Everybody has a right to privacy. I am not going to allow that to happen tonight.” 

Despite the concerns raised, most speakers voiced support for Walsh, saying she has brought positive changes to the district.

Walsh was hired in 2023 and holds a Ph.D in school administration. She moved to Plains from the New York City area, but has roots in Western Montana through her husband, Denis Munson, who grew up in the Eddy Flats area and graduated from Thompson Falls in 1957.

Erika Lawyer raised the issue of declining school enrollment, now at 400 students, prompting further discussion from the board.

French noted that a future meeting will be scheduled to address the matter of Walsh’s contract.

In her report, Walsh shared some district updates. She announced that the school had received a $5,000 grant from the Clark Fork Enrichment Program to support a health fair planned for March 22. Additionally, several district staff members participated in a threat assessment workshop, learning about a free mental health service that will save the district $7,500.

Walsh also shared a positive note, revealing that Pastor Dale Janson from Choteau had called to commend the Plains wrestlers and coaches for leaving their facility in excellent condition after a weekend event. One church elder even offered them a job as custodians.

The board also discussed the upcoming implementation of a four-day school week starting the week of Jan. 27.

New business included a recognition ceremony for board members, with high school seniors Django Oakcedar and Logan Steinebach, representatives of the National Honor Society, presenting each board member with a certificate of appreciation.

Walsh also presented a Life Saving Award to paraprofessional Heather Worrall, who had saved a student’s life in the cafeteria by applying the Heimlich maneuver.

In other matters, the board approved the MTSBA legal retainer and the 2024-2025 Out-of-District attendance agreements. They also approved the hiring of substitute bus driver Peggy Stafford.

Resignations were accepted from Michelle Greer (junior high athletic director), Rachel Chenoweth (head track coach), and Rick Powers (head baseball coach). Additionally, Drew Carey was appointed as a volunteer assistant wrestling coach.

    Plains High School seniors Logan Steinebach and Django Oakcedar hand out awards to Plains School Board members. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Betty Taylor comments during the Plains School Board meeting.