Arlee Superintendent to finish term
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ARLEE – George Linthicum attended his last school board meeting as superintendent of the Arlee School District on Tuesday, and the board thanked him for his work on the budget and advocating for technology in the school. David Whitesell is scheduled to take over the position on July 1.
High school students won’t feel the effects of a smaller budget in the next school year due to lower enrollment numbers. The board passed a multi-district agreement for three years that allows funding to be shared between the high school and the elementary. The elementary school is not facing a lower budget at this time.
Teacher Marlene Lodge retired this year leaving the Spanish position open, and it hasn’t been easy finding a replacement. Principal Jim Taylor said he has one applicant to interview. The Mission and Arlee School Districts shared a Spanish teacher in the past, and Taylor hopes to continue the partnership. Plan B is to allow students to take the required language class online or develop a Salish language class instead of Spanish.
Arlee also co-ops with Mission to create a high school girls softball team. The board voted to provide financial support to help pay for transportation and the cost of umpires along with the contract fee. Charlo made the same agreement.
During contract negotiations with the board, administrators agreed to take the same pay increase and insurance contributions as teachers. Teachers are still negotiating those terms.
The YES program had a successful year. All the seniors enrolled in the alternative graduation program graduated. A survey completed by parents and students found that the program meets the needs of high school teenagers and parents affirmed student satisfaction with the program.
Leslie Jackson was hired as the new family and consumer science teacher. Samuel Parke was hired as the high school math teacher. Rebecca Olson is the head pep band coach. April Gabler was reassigned as head junior high volleyball coach, and Jordan Pfau is the assistant. Todd Yocum is the head high school football coach with Fran Ryan assisting. Russ Baker is the head high school track coach with assistants Ashley Gaumer and Bonnie White. Teresa Brown is the head junior high track coach, and Traci Yocum is the assistant coach. The next school board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m.
