Polson schools in the middle of standardized testing

POLSON - With state standardized testing taking place across the school district this month, several school administrators told trustees at Monday night's Polson School Board meeting that test preparation was in full gear.

Students in the process of taking tests are receiving snacks and guidance on the importance of the testing, Polson Middle School Principal Brian Adams said.

At Linderman, reading and math intervention groups were held for students who may have test anxiety or who are close to meeting proficiency standards. Teachers are hoping test preparation like this eases students' fears about testing, while achieving the best possible results, interim principal Cherie Stobie said.

The high school has stepped up comprehensive preparations for the tests as well, interim principal Bill Appleton said.

Administrators are hoping improved scores will boost the district's rank under the government's No Child Left Behind standards.

Superintendent David Whitesell announced that the district is pursuing several large grants, one that could assist librarians across the district.

Cherry Valley has been awarded a large grant to help finish a community play space area, he said.

Whitesell also announced the district had received 18 application packets for the Linderman principal job. He said a committee will meet this week to begin evaluating surveys and faculty comments on the job. A more firm time line for choosing candidates will be decided at that meeting.

Polson High School senior Laura Hart sat in during the meeting as the student board representative.

An apparent 2009 vandalism incident involving the Polson High School varsity track team was also discussed.

A Butte hotel is claiming $8,500 worth of water damage was done to a room where four team members were staying.

Whitesell said the insurance company has thus far declined to pay for the damages, stating that the district is not liable for the damage done by students. The insurance company recommended letters be sent to the students' parents asking for damage payments.

Whitesell received a letter from the Holiday Inn Express hotel saying they would pursue litigation if the damage bill was not paid.

Several trustees agreed a letter to parents was not the correct course of action, because the incident took place nearly 10 months ago and might include taking the cause to court if parents decided not to pay.

Whitesell said he would have the insurance company re-evaluate the nonliability decision.

Trustee chairman Mark Russell said the best course of action then may be to pay the deductible and hope the insurance company can pay the rest.

In other business, the board approved a May 4 election date for the school board elections, and a mill levy if one is brought to vote.

Two elementary trustees positions, plus one high school district spot are open this year.

Superintendent Whitesell said he is not looking to recommend a levy this year. Enrollment is static, he said. Other economic factors also play into the decision.

"I just didn't think one, we'll be able to pass one, and two, I just don't see us having to run anything," Whitesell said.

In the case only one candidate per position files and no levy is run, there will not be a ballot run this year.

The board approved an item to move the regular meeting in April to April 19, as the National School Board Association National Conference conflicts with the original April 12 meeting date.