Ronan school board hears presentations from students
Motivated high school students captivated the adults in the room at the Ronan School District board meeting held Monday, Jan. 14.
Sacorra Reum and Austin Taylor gave a short presentation on the health sciences program which qualified them for internships at St. Luke’s hospital, where they have the opportunity to work and observe, in rotating stints, everything from surgery to administration.
Senior Kara Holmlund, current state president of HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gave an informative talk on the hazards of e-cigarettes, as part of this year’s HOSA state Vape/JUUL Prevention Campaign. Though they are advertised as a more healthy alternative to smoking, there is no research proving that. They are completely unregulated and contain untold numbers of deadly chemicals, including formaldehyde. Middle school and high school youth are the main marketing target, and the sleekness and small size (made to look like a USB thumb drive) make these devices easy to hide. School officials reported that these and related “pods,” (vape juice attachments) are found nearly every day in the schools.
CSKT Tribal Education let the school know that some Tribal families attend traditional gatherings and ceremonies that may last all night, sometimes causing students to be tired or late or absent. At least 6 percent of absences are “cultural absences,” and the potential to adjust school calendars next year to reduce conflict with tribal events was mentioned.
TWO EVENTS aimed at supporting public education during the current state legislative session were announced: Feb. 11, Public Education on the Hill, and March 18, Day of Advocacy. There are currently 214 public-education related bills proposed at the legislature. Among them are proposals to fund public preschool at 1/2 ANB (average member belonging) for four-year-olds; raising the age for funding ANB to include 19 and 20-year-olds, allowing them to return to finish high school; and increasing amount available for college credits for high schoolers from $125 to $250.
A recent Montana Supreme Court decision sided with Montana Quality Education Coalition (MQEC), confirming that public education money may not be used for private schools, negating 2015 legislation saying it could.
Retirements/resignations of six staff were announced: Kathleen Smith, Sharon Emerald, Robyn Schock, Kathryn Briney, Bailey Rice, and Rodney Harris. Three new hires, were approved: Rebecca Jo Dumont, Secretary at KWH Elementary; Michelle McKenzie, Special Education Paraprofessional, Ronan Middle School; and Katherine Castor, Head Tennis Coach, Ronan High School. A list of substitutes was approved, and it was noted that there is a strong need for additional bus driver substitutes. There will be an election May 7 for two school board trustee postions.
A proposal from Valley View School to join with Ronan Middle School athletic teams was discussed for future consideration.
SCHOOLS ARE completing STAR testing, which helps assess specific areas where individual students need assistance or increased challenge.
Ronan Middle School will host the county-wide spelling bee Feb. 6. Ronan High School will host an Indian Education information meeting February 20.
Business Manager/Clerk T.J. Marmon reported that the district has spent $20,000 less so far this year than at this time last year. The reduced power bills due to milder winter temperatures were likely the main reason, with new, more efficient lighting also possibly playing a role.
District enrollment is up 43 students from this time last year.
Hall-of-Fame honors for students who achieved the criteria prior to establishment of the honor in 1970 will be retroactively awarded to recipients or their survivors at the basketball game in Polson this Friday, Jan. 25.
Transportation Director Matt Gaut announced the new team bus had arrived and showed it to attendees after the meeting.