Schools to discuss soccer

The Thompson Falls School Board met on Monday to discuss a possible soccer cooperative with Plains Schools. Chairperson Sandra Muster opened the meeting with a reading of the procedures involving public comments. She reiterated the rules of conduct the public is required to abide by during the Public Comment portion of the meeting. “It has to be done periodically,” Muster said. As a reminder for anyone new to our meetings, she added.

Plains Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh and Plains School Board member Ellen Childress attended the meeting along with Nick Lawyer, also from Plains. The current soccer club in Plains has over 300 members, according to Lawyer. Lindsey Franklin, Thompson Falls first grade teacher, said that 85 of those members were registered by her. The club currently allows players from kindergarten through twelfth grade, or five to 19 years, according to Childress.

Thompson Falls High School teacher Eric Nygaard said they were not asking for the board’s decision at the meeting but to motion the formulation of a committee to discuss the possibility of forming a team between the two schools. “We are asking that you agree to join a committee from both schools to research the logistics of offering soccer as a school sport,” Nygaard added. The board made and passed a motion and Jeneese Baxter volunteered to be on the committee. The board recommended that athletic director Jake Michelson be a part of the committee.

“From my perspective after dealing with baseball, everyone needs to know how much is entailed. The committee should receive specific questions from the board. Parent’s viewpoints can’t always give the board the information it needs,” community member Pat Crowder stated. “The logistics can be complicated when the MHSA (Montana High School Association) and the athletic director are involved.”

Thompson Falls Superintendent Scully commented on the assembly held at the high school last week by speaker John Parker from Great Falls. “It was nice to share the assembly with Plains and Hot Springs. After the loss of two Sanders County high school students, it was an important talk on resiliency for our students. Our kids are important, they do matter. Parker did a great job and was brought here by Police Chief Chris Nichols who is a friend of Parker’s. There was no charge for the assembly.”

Scully talked about the Strategic Plan and that the December school board meeting will be long as there will be a lot to cover regarding the surveys conducted on what the schools are needing. The Office of Public Instruction would like public input on the matter and asks that comments be made on the school’s website. The discussions will continue, by the board, regarding what the school can afford for improvements.

Scully also provided an update on the new multi-purpose building at the high school. He said equipment for the HVAC system was ordered in January and has not yet arrived, and that NorthWestern Energy needed to make some changes with the wiring in the mechanical room.