A highlight of the meeting was the board’s decision to approve a solar project for Bigfork School, with the aim of increasing solar energy use within the district. Two companies, Ideal Energy and Wolf Track Energy, submitted bids for the project. Despite Ideal Energy’s higher bid, it was chosen due to its comprehensive coverage of project requirements, unlike Wolf Track’s bid, which included additional costs for equipment replacement. The board emphasized that the project must not add expenses to the school district and predicted that savings from utility bills would cover any construction costs not included in the $500,000 solar grant. This solar initiative is part of a state program dedicated to promoting renewable energy in schools.

Concurrently, the board grappled with looming budgetary challenges. The superintendent alerted members to potential significant shortfalls stemming from changes in state compensatory revenue, which could impact the district by $700,000 to $800,000. Additionally, modifications to unemployment funding are expected to further reduce the budget by $200,000 to $300,000. These financial pressures are anticipated to affect numerous school districts, with the board preparing for possible reductions in the spring.

The meeting opened with the election of board officers, resulting in Mark Schroer being elected as chair, David Marty as clerk, and Dave Cowen as treasurer, all by acclamation. The board also designated Julie Rason as the deputy clerk, underscoring her continued contributions.

In terms of committee assignments, the board discussed various preferences and constraints. Some members expressed the desire to step back from certain committees, such as the Wellness committee, due to time limitations, although they acknowledged the positive work being done by these groups. The Facilities Committee became a point of interest, particularly with upcoming projects like the solar initiative and parking lot renovations.

Financial operations were another focal point, with the board discussing the designation of financial institutions and a sweep agreement with the School Investment Fund to optimize interest earnings. Cara Dean was confirmed as the Chief Financial Officer for 2025, tasked with navigating these financial complexities.

Moreover, the board approved a policy on federal micro purchases, essential for guiding the district’s procurement of federal items. This policy was passed unanimously following brief discussions.

A policy regarding Title IX grievance procedures was approved, aligning with recent federal guidance and allowing a streamlined process for smaller districts. The board also addressed the need to standardize testing protocols across schools to ensure accurate and reliable assessment data. The principal reported on the district’s assessment strategies, emphasizing the importance of consistent educational experiences across classrooms.

The organizational aspect of the meeting included the designation of The Herald Review as the official newspaper for legal notices, despite competition from Scenic Range News, which was disqualified due to location constraints. Official radio stations and legal counsel were also confirmed, along with various committee assignments and operational protocols.

In closing, the board noted the importance of equitable education assessments and the ethical considerations in board operations. The emphasis was placed on the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure all students receive the necessary support and resources, as highlighted by the district’s goal of achieving over a 97% assessment rate for students.