Public Comment and Meeting Procedures
There were no public comments on non-agenda items. Superintendent Ator noted the district continues using the 360-degree “Owl” camera to record meetings, helping ensure transparency and accessibility for staff and community members who cannot attend in person.
Consent Agenda and Financial Review
The Board approved the consent agenda, including minutes, claims, and payroll expenditures. Discussion focused on aligning payroll reporting formats to match prior reports for clarity and continuity.
Superintendent Ator and Clerk staff also reviewed updated county budget figures and the district’s interlocal fund accounting. The Board discussed recent transfers, with funds now reflected in the district’s internal 182 account. Trustees requested percentage-based indicators be added to financial summaries for easier monthly reference.
Additional clarification was given on specific expense items—such as the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FVP)—and how costs are split between the Somers and Lakeside campuses for reimbursement purposes.
Administrative and Building Reports
Principal reports highlighted continued stability across both campuses, with fall sports seasons concluding and basketball season already underway. Lego Robotics participation has grown, with four teams and over twenty students involved this year. Staff shared ongoing efforts to support positive behavior interventions (PBIS), ensuring 80% of students remain engaged and successful within Tier 1 supports.
Superintendent Ator provided updates on several key areas:
• Montana Quality Education Consortium (MQEC): The Board discussed potential membership in MQEC, an organization that advocates for equitable school funding across Montana. MQEC has played a central role in state funding cases that have collectively added hundreds of millions of dollars to K–12 education. Dues are approximately $2,000 annually, and the Board expressed interest in hearing directly from MQEC representatives at the November meeting before taking any action.
• Montana School Funding and Demographics: Superintendent Ator shared data showing that while Montana’s overall population has grown from 800,000 to over 1.1 million since 1990, the number of school-age children has remained largely flat—reducing the percentage of youth in the population from 20% to 14%. This shift equates to nearly half a billion dollars less in public education funding than historical proportions would suggest, highlighting the importance of statewide advocacy and local fiscal efficiency.
• Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC): The committee met recently to review feedback processes and streamline how staff input connects with board policy decisions. The group is exploring ways to align feedback with procedural or policy improvements, ensuring that staff voice continues to guide decision-making.
• Professional Engagement: Superintendent Ator discussed his continued board service with Education Northwest, a federally funded educational research organization serving five states. This volunteer role connects Somers/Lakeside to national research and grants on literacy, teacher evaluation, and school innovation. The Board unanimously supported his continued participation, noting its value in bringing insight and opportunity back to the district at no local cost.
New Business
• Hiring of Winter Coaches and Advisors: The Board unanimously approved the hiring of winter coaching staff as presented.
• Resignation: The resignation of Beverly Crane was accepted, with the Board voting to waive any penalties for late notice in appreciation of her service.
District Data and Evaluation Tools
The Board welcomed a virtual presentation from Adam Milligan of Milligan School Data Solutions, who outlined a comprehensive data management and survey platform. The system provides budgeting dashboards, attendance tracking, staff and parent culture surveys, enrollment projections, and superintendent evaluation tools—all benchmarked against other Montana schools.
After discussion, the Board voted unanimously to adopt the full subscription for the district. Trustees noted the exceptional value—comparable statewide tools can cost many times more—and appreciated that the system will help guide strategic planning, staff engagement, and future goal setting.
Classified Staff Contract Negotiations
The Board authorized the Negotiations Committee (Trustees Tiffany, Kimberly, and Sarah) to meet with classified staff representatives to review and revise the model contract for better alignment with district needs and prior agreements.
Extracurricular Accounts
The Board discussed interest-bearing options for the district’s extracurricular activity account. Trustees Chance Barrett and Superintendent Ator will meet with the local bank to explore higher-yield or automated investment options before bringing a motion forward next month.
Policy Review
Superintendent Ator reported that all district policies from the past four years have been reviewed and reconciled with the official record, clearing the way for new first readings in November.
Book Approvals
The Board approved the latest round of recommended instructional materials from the curriculum review committee for both campuses.
Executive Session
The public meeting concluded with an executive session for the Board’s scheduled Superintendent evaluation discussion.
Respectfully submitted,
Chance Barrett on behalf of Somers/Lakeside School District Board of Trustees