B-H HOSTS FOSNESS FOR Q&A

    The Britton-Hecla Board of Education met Tuesday, Oct. 14, and addressed several personnel matters, calendar changes, and funding concerns while also hearing from a visiting state legislator.
    The board approved working agreements for two nutrition staff members and hired Linnea Jackola as a paraprofessional. A teacher contract for Lisa Dawson was amended to reflect her transition from K-12 special education to a third-grade classroom position. The board also accepted resignations from Willy Tom, custodian, and Kristi Heinrich, business office assistant.
    An in-service calendar change was approved to remove the early dismissal on April 29, which is no longer needed due to other professional development days already scheduled. The board also approved one incoming open enrollment request and began planning for a board retreat in January.
    In his report, Superintendent Steve Benson said an agreement was finalized between the school and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office for a school resource deputy position, noting that no money will be exchanged as part of the arrangement. He also reported that official enrollment numbers came in slightly higher than expected at 480 students, with 87 enrolled at colony schools and 32 seniors.
    The board welcomed District 1 Representative Nick Fosness, who attended the meeting for a brief question-and-answer session. Fosness asked board members what is going well in the district and what concerns they have.
    Board member Josh Hawkinson praised the district’s positive atmosphere, noting how far it has come in the past decade. “When I joined the board 11 years ago, school spirit was low and staff morale was struggling,” he said. “Now, community support is strong, bleachers are full, and people are committed to the school.”
    Benson highlighted the district’s full staffing, strong reputation for student behavior, and quality facilities. Board member Kurt Zuehlke echoed those sentiments, noting the continued support from the community.
    When discussing challenges, Board President Troy Knecht expressed concern over the state’s education funding formula, noting it was not fully funded at the usual 3% increase last year, with districts receiving only 1.25%. He said this shortfall may force the district to consider an opt-out to maintain financial stability.
    Business Manager Madi Neiber said the decision will depend on next year’s funding formula and enrollment numbers. “If we lose students from Sunset Colony, it will really hurt us,” added Benson. “If we can stay around 477 to 485 students, we’re in good shape.”
    The discussion also touched on capital outlay transfers and concerns about state-level property tax reform proposals. Fosness noted that any major reform without replacement funding could significantly impact local schools.
    The next Britton-Hecla School Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 10.