School board begins search for new superintendent
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ARLEE – The Arlee School District is advertising for a new superintendent after the board chose not to appoint George Linthicum for another contract year.
“I wish the district well,” Linthicum said after the board meeting.
The board quickly began the search for a new superintendent in the hopes of having the lengthy process completed before the next school year. They plan to have a list of applicants by March 12.
“It takes time to interview people,” said Lonnie Morin, district clerk.
The board also needs time to go over a community survey, Morin said, aimed at what qualities people want to see in a superintendent,
Graduation is being moved to the new gym this year. Seniors asked the board for the change in venue stating that the new gym is bigger and has air-conditioning. One student opposed the move, saying it would disrupt tradition. Tarps will protect the gym floor.
“Getting a stage is the main thing,” Principal Jim Taylor said.
The senior class doesn’t have enough money to rent a stage. Folks at the board meeting suggested borrowing a stage as an option.
In the elementary school, class rosters for the next school year will be established on May 1. The new deadline gives people a chance to request changes before the next school year starts, but May 31 is the deadline for those requests.
“I think this is a better way than what we’ve done in the past,” Elementary Principal Don Holst said.
Teachers are currently piloting a new evaluation tool to prepare for an upcoming state-mandated switch, and so far, the teachers participating in the program are finding it a positive tool.
“I want an evaluation tool that helps me be a better teacher and this does that,” Arlee Federation of Teachers President William Stockton said. “State law states that we need to move towards this model.”
Two teachers were nominated for a Life Changer Award, which recognizes teachers from around the country. Rhonda Kinney was nominated in the high school, and Sibley Ligas was nominated in the elementary.
Kyle Newman was hired as a part-time assistant for the school’s alternative learning center, which is the YES program. Axel Yount is the new assessment assistant in the elementary school. Misty Miles is the part-time special education paraprofessional. Teacher Shawn Orr is taking over the after-school tutoring program for Rhonda Kinney.
Applications are available in the district office for one school board position.
