Somers/Lakeside School District Board Meeting Recap
Thank you to everyone who attended (in person and online) and to those who shared updates during public comment.
Public Comment Highlights
Lego Robotics (big win for our students): We heard an awesome report on the robotics program’s growth and success at the State Tournament in Bozeman. Two teams (primarily 5th graders) competed against older, larger programs—one team earned 1st place in Robot Design, and the other finished 6th overall out of 32 teams at state. The program has expanded significantly (more teams, more robots, and meaningful grant support), and there was strong encouragement to share and celebrate these academic/innovation achievements at the same level we celebrate athletics.
Science Fair: The science fair was brought back for the first time in several years and was made mandatory for 6th and 8th graders. Students pushed through the challenge and ultimately showed real pride in their work. County science fair is scheduled for March 5.
Consent Agenda
Approved minutes, warrants, payroll, and budget items.
The board also discussed upcoming meeting attendance and adjusted scheduling as needed.
Meeting Date Update
The next regular board meeting was moved and confirmed for March 30.
Facilities and Operations Updates
The district is beginning a big-picture look at Lakeside Elementary HVAC and broader facilities planning.
A water heater issue at Lakeside was addressed—having two units prevented a major disruption. The district plans to pursue replacement bids next month.
The district will advertise for summer help (maintenance/support).
Reports from Schools and District Leadership
Lakeside Elementary: Staff are working hard and using strategic plan data to dig into growth goals at every level (classroom, grade, individual student).
Somers Middle School: Discussion included student performance data—especially prior-year proficiency patterns—and what may be influencing growth.
Superintendent’s report highlights included:
· Culture survey participation: Strong early response (over half of staff already completed it).
· Finance updates: Monthly spending and transportation fund timing were reviewed.
· Attendance concerns: Student attendance remains an area of focus. The district discussed breaking down absences by type (illness vs. travel vs. other reasons) and how outliers can skew averages, while also recognizing this is a broader post-pandemic trend statewide.
· Budget amendment communications: The district received several community calls—most started tense and ended constructively.
· Board follow-through: A public Q&A related to the budget amendment/tax questions will be placed on the March 30 agenda, with repeated reminders planned through district communication channels.
Staffing Actions (Approved)
Accepted resignations for Dawn Evans and Makaylla McLellan.
Approved Anna Uskoski to be added as a substitute teacher.
Approved Kristy Allen as a part-time paraprofessional (20 hours/week) funded through tuition/special education support needs.
Levy Resolution (New Business)
Approved the Resolution of Intent to Impose/Adjust Levies (Resolution 2026-27). This is an annual step that helps the district meet statutory notice requirements and plan projections (it is not the final budget).
There was also discussion about Adult Education possibilities (e.g., community classes, activities, and ways programming could support facilities and operations indirectly). This approval keeps the option available while the district gathers community interest.
Staff Retirement Incentive Discussion (Approved)
The board reviewed a staff request related to retirement incentive eligibility and approved an approach that aligns with TRS recognition of service time (including how partial years are treated), with clear guardrails to avoid ambiguity going forward.
Most importantly: the tone of this portion of the meeting was centered on respect for long service and taking care of our people.
2026–2027 School Calendar (Approved)
Approved next year’s calendar:
School start: September 8
Last day: June 11
This calendar reflects staff feedback and facility considerations.
Old Business
The district shared that the FCC has opened an investigation related to obtaining information regarding the nearby cell tower after multiple formal requests.
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned after completion of all agenda items.
Respectfully submitted,
Chance Barrett on behalf of Somers/Lakeside School Board