Hot Springs votes on staffing changes

The Hot Springs School Board met last Wednesday to vote on positions for the next school year. Nineteen positions for the 2024-25 school year were approved. Principal Byron Woods K-12 principal position was eliminated, as well as one elementary teacher position. Sixteen returning teachers were approved including the counselor position. One position of a non-tenured teacher was discussed regarding her plan to complete her certification as a licensed educator for the high school. The board approved the position with one trustee against.

In the superintendent's report, Gerald Chouinard said two coaches and the second grade teacher resigned.

“The plan is for breaking the gap of communication between stakeholders and the district while building collaboration throughout the district to include teacher and staff collaboration that creates shared knowledge on how to improve our school community. This includes needs assessments, professional development and parent communication. We are looking to the future of the school and where we are going, with research based decisions to enhance learning environments,” he stated.

Chouinard said “goals for the school moving forward are comprehensive and doable.” With the upcoming levy vote in May, Chouinard said he will be campaigning at the high school, senior center and the Lonepine store, visiting about the needs of the school district.

The widening of Jacques Road and the utilities to be run there was debated with public comments provided. Tammy McAllister said she has been raising funds for the improvement of the school’s track, which is in need of resurfacing. McAllister wants it to have a safe, all-weather surface for her junior high track team and high school track. Currently, the school travels to Polson to use their track. She has been awarded tribal COVID funds and is looking for other donations. “If the road is widened for the utilities easements for the subdivision, that could interfere with my plans,” McAllister said. Hot Springs Mayor Randy Woods attended the meeting to inform the school of the regulations by the county and state on road widths. “There has to be 60 feet total across,” he said. The road itself will be 24 feet with utilities running off the sides. The public and the board discussed the issue in great length with no definitive outcome. The board voted to table the discussion. “Bottom line is we have to follow regulations,” the mayor said. The RJ Demeers subdivision was approved in 1949, according to the mayor. The Hot Springs School was built in the late 1930s.