Budgets polar opposites in Arlee school district
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ARLEE – Next year’s budget looks to be tight at the Arlee High School due to low enrollment numbers, but elementary numbers are up, allowing for the expansion of the music and art programs.
“It was a bone of contention last spring when we dropped music,” Superintendent George Linthicum said of the school’s decision not to replace the program’s outgoing teacher.
The selected budget plan for the next school year calls for an additional halftime staff member to add to the program.
“This would enable the elementary to provide music and art weekly instead of the current biweekly format,” Elementary Principal Don Holst said.
During budget negotiations for the high school, the decision came down to putting available resources into keeping the staff or maintaining structural elements of the school.
“We will keep our staff and give our kids the best possible education,” Principal Jim Taylor said. “If the boiler blows, I guess we put out extra heaters.”
He also stated that if teachers need additional supplies or equipment they are going to have to wait for an improvement in the budget, which is projected to occur when the larger lower grade classes become high school students.
“It all depends on the numbers,” Taylor said.
The district hopes to offset some of the cost of school repairs by asking the public to vote on two levies during the next election on May 6. The technology levy is about $70,000 and would be levied for five years. The money would be used for new computers, repairs, training and network access.
“It’s up to the voters but I’d feel neglectful if I didn’t run it,” Linthicum said.
Infrastructure is the focus of the second five-year levy at approximately $100,000 with a list of items including boilers, the parking lot, outside lights, a heater and roofing.
“We have quite a long list of things that need attention,” Linthicum said. “We need a healthy, well-kept environment.”
Public opinion concerning both levies was requested.
“We need public comment,” Chair Shelly Fyant said.
Superintendent Linthicum noted that he is looking for funding sources in many different places.
“We are always looking for grants,” he said. “If the president rolls out another stimulus plan we are ready. It’s my dream to win the lottery and build a whole new school for the district.”
In other news, the school received accreditation from a national program after a rigorous application process.
“Arlee High School became the second school in the state of Montana to become Advanc-Ed accredited,” Taylor said.
Becoming accredited by Advanc-Ed will provide Arlee High School’s graduates a better chance to be accepted into various colleges and universities, according to Taylor.
The accreditation came after a team of the school’s staff members collected data concerning the school for an accreditation board. An outside review was also done.
Taylor noted that the board was impressed with the schools ability to offer things like the YES Program and advanced placement classes, despite the smaller size of the school. The accreditation board gave the school points for showing excellence in the implementation of Indian Education for All.
“It was a great learning experience for our team,” Taylor said.
Next year’s school calendar was accepted by the board and the school is moving from a quarter grading system to semesters.
“It will put us in line with what is happening everywhere else,” Linthicum said. “There will be a transition time, but in the long run, I think it’s a good direction to go.”
In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Jim Taylor as the school’s athletic director citing family health issues; Family and Consumer Science teacher Joyce Auer is retiring after 30 years of service; and first grade teacher Bonnie Barger retired after 38 years of teaching.
The next school board election is creating a shuffle in members. Chair Shelly Fyant’s and Trustee Richard Bachmeier’s seats will change after the vote.
“I appreciate the tough decisions you’ve had to make in these tough times,” Superintendent Linthicum said.
The next board meeting will be May 13 at 6:30 p.m.
