July 20 Special Meeting

[00:03:23]I sent her three different emails.

[00:03:27]Well, I mean, I never heard any more from her except that email. So, I guess >> she might have time. I mean, like, we have a couple of things to get through before she jumps on, but >> So, we're going to go ahead and get started. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance.

[00:03:46]I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with all.

[00:04:05]>> I don't know if it's evening or afternoon, but thank you all for coming today. And we do have a forum. Um, as you know, we're kind of a small group today. We have also Larry Martin in attendance with us tonight um for some of the first agenda items that we'll be getting through. Um but just as a reminder, any present who wishes to address the board or raise any questions about public school district matters or governing policies may do so under public participation. No discussion of personnel or individual students is permitted at this time. A limit of three minutes is placed on each speaker.

[00:04:40]Persons who want more time may make arrangements to be placed on a future agenda. The public is also reminded that they may provide input on all motions being considered by the board at this meeting. Okay. Uh so first we have individual delegations correspondence.

[00:04:55]Uh was there any public comment?

[00:04:58]>> I didn't see anything.

[00:04:59]>> No public comment in the room either.

[00:05:02]>> Uh so the first uh item under board discussion items uh Shane McKe uh put in his letter of resignation on Friday evening. Um, it was posted to the agenda prior to the 48 hours. So, I would like to accept the acceptance of the trustee resignation by the board of trustees that is here tonight.

[00:05:25]We just say yes to that. Uh, and take a motion.

[00:05:28]>> I'll motion to accept resignation. Awesome.

[00:05:34]I have a first from Jackie and a second from Charity to accept the uh resignation of Shane McKe. Any questions from the public?

[00:05:46]Any questions from the trustees?

[00:05:50]All those in favor say I. I.

[00:05:52]>> All those opposed, same sign.

[00:05:55]Shane's resignation has been accepted.

[00:05:59]Thank you.

[00:06:00]>> We'll go ahead and move into the items for action. As I mentioned, uh Larry Martin, our legal counsel, is here tonight to answer any questions that might come above um with the next agenda items. So, the first items for action is the approval of the interim superintendent contract.

[00:06:21]Motion that we approve the inter contract.

[00:06:27]>> Second.

[00:06:31]A first from Charity and a second from Jackie to approve the interim superintendent contract is presented. Uh any questions from the public?

[00:06:42]Any questions from the board? Go ahead, Mr. >> I I do have a a comment. Perhaps uh if you approve this motion, you may make another motion to empower the board chair to sign the contract on behalf of the board.

[00:06:58]Can I add that to my motion?

[00:06:59]>> You can if you wish. So the second agrees and that'll stand along.

[00:07:10]>> Thank you.

[00:07:12]>> Uh and just a reminder, the interim superintendent position provides day-to-day leadership and operational oversight during this transition period.

[00:07:21]A job a job description was included in that also, but responsibilities include oversight of district operations and personnel, compliance with Montana law and accreditation standards, financial oversight, supervision of of administrative staff, leadership and safety and facilities, communication with trustees and the community, preparation of board materials, support for hiring processes, and ensuring continuity of services for students and staff.

[00:07:49]Okay. So, all those in favor of approving that contract say I.

[00:07:53]>> All those opposed, same sign. And I'd like to introduce those uh that haven't met. This is Steve Mayhew. Um and we'd like to ask him to join us at the table now. He is our interim superintendent.

[00:08:13]>> Thank you.

[00:08:15]Okay, we'll move on to approval of the interim flirt contract.

[00:08:22]>> A motion to approve the interim flirt contract for Michelle.

[00:08:29]>> Okay, I have a first from Jack >> and authorize. Do I need to authorize the chair to sign that contract?

[00:08:35]>> Thank you. I'll second.

[00:08:43]I have a first from Jackie and a second from charity to approve uh of the interim clerk contract as presented and allow the chair authorization to sign that contract. [laughter] Any questions from the public?

[00:09:00]Any trustee questions for Larry?

[00:09:05]All those in favor say I.

[00:09:07]>> I.

[00:09:08]>> All those opposed, same sign. Thank you, Michelle. approved your contract.

[00:09:21]>> Hey, [clears throat] uh the next agenda item is a review of contractual repayment obligation um and potential um action. First of all, uh I want to be clear that we're just discussing today is not personal. Uh this is a contractal obligation that the district is required to address. So, at this time, we've also uh Larry, if you would mind speaking on this, >> I'd be happy to. So, uh this has to do with the contract with the former superintendent uh Don Chrisman, and I'm not sure how many years Don worked for the district, but I'm sure it's quite a few in various positions. Uh but on uh the in 2025, he signed a contract for three years that was from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028.

[00:10:14]Uh he did provide a letter of resignation earlier this year. Um I'm not sure whether there were any discussions with the board uh agreement on that. uh but I do have a letter of resignation in which he said he was going to resign and thanked the board gave some reasons for that and his resignation was effective on June 30 of this particular year. So if we look at his contract, uh it does have a provision for something called liquidated damages. And without going too far into the weeds, what that really means that uh if in fact certain conditions occur uh with termination, then uh the board and he agreed that there would be a certain payment to the board. and I'll read it to you. Um uh without going too far, the operative provision says if a superintendent unilaterally resigns from their employment with the district during the term of the contract, but prior to the end of the contract term, the effective date of resignation is June 30th. any year other than the final year of the contract, the superintendent shall pay the district 10% of the annual salary amount set forth above as liquidated damages. So, we did get a letter of uh resignation, which the resignation date was June 30, right? So that would apply because it was prior to the end of the term which is 2028 was June 30. So the contract provides for 10% of the annual salary. Now the issue here is whether or not for two things to discuss for you. One is more of a technical contract matter because it requires a unilateral resignation.

[00:12:16]his termination came to you which was unilateral but then as I understand it but I haven't seen the board minutes the board actually formally accepted the letter of resignation just as you did tonight right um we can discuss at a later date whether you have to accept any letter of resignation ever but if you did then the question is did that change a unilateral termination into a bilateral termination because there was the resignation letter but you accepted the resignation letter.

[00:12:57]So I would say that because of that there is some unclear as to whether or not that particular contract provision is a provision upon which you can rely because of your subsequent action of accepting the resignation. Okay, there's an argument I think for that. another argument against the next question for you which is not a legal issue but it's a question for you as a board is whether or not it's an issue that you want to really take up because the motion would have to be you then are moving that the board seek those damages from ex superintendent Chris given his service to the district given the potential disagreement of the legal effect of that given the fact that potentially and I don't know because it's above my pay grade is is continued uh help with district matters in the transition is maybe very worthwhile. The question for you is is it worth proceeding along those lines to try to even seek that or uh is it better simply to say thank you for your service and move on? Again, that's not the legal side of it. It's a question for you. If you wish to proceed with it, then we would need a motion from the board which basically says I move that we seek to obtain liquidated damages pursuant to the contract. Right.

[00:14:26]If there is no such motion, then uh the matter will be closed. You can move on to your next agenda item. or if a board member wishes to move to say yes, regardless of whether we have the right or not, we want to thank John for his service or whatever else you as a board may think is appropriate. So, I hope that'll give you some context in which to proceed.

[00:14:50]>> I would like to speak to it really quick just because I know it was referenced in Shane's resignation letter and it has been um a topic of discussion. When Lacy brought it to my awareness that this was a situation, I encouraged it be put on the agenda. Not because I have any intent to pursue it. I am not a mean-spirited person. That's not I don't think the rest of the board is either.

[00:15:12]That was not the intent. But the conversation a lot lately has been transparency, no backroom deals, this all this this talk. And this felt like the kind of decision that if Lacy and I made, if it did come to light, it would have been it wouldn't have looked good. It would look like we made a backro deal. You know, we were trying to protect our friend or whatever it was. I felt like this conversation, understanding from an attorney, what the recourse is, what the obligation, and the fact that it is a legal binding contract that was maybe technically or not technically broken. I just felt it was important to have the discussion knowing no it's business and it wasn't um something that I think was done any malicious way and I hope it's not perceived that way. So I just want to speak to that.

[00:15:59]>> Thank you Jeff.

[00:16:02]>> Any other discussion from the board?

[00:16:06]Would we like to entertain a motion?

[00:16:09]>> I would like a motion to not pursue.

[00:16:13]>> Okay.

[00:16:15]We can do that to not >> first from second from Stacy recommendation to not pursue any action against Chrisman at this time for breaking.

[00:16:33]>> I the motion I think you would say not to pursue uh I wouldn't call it breaking the contract but with respect to any Yeah.

[00:16:44]I motion that the board bilaterally accept right contract >> and not pursue any remed >> is that good with you Stacey that motion.

[00:17:01]Any questions from the public on that?

[00:17:04]Any additional questions from the board?

[00:17:07]All those in favor say I. I.

[00:17:10]>> All those opposed, same sign. Thank you, Larry. We're gonna let uh Mr. Martin.

[00:17:15]>> Yeah, that was uh a very instructive 15 minutes. I think it's nice to see everybody and have a good rest of your >> Thank you very much.

[00:17:24]>> Okay. Uh we'll move on to the request to hire.

[00:17:30]Um don't believe any teachers are present, but I will take a motion to approve the request to hire list as presented.

[00:17:43]A motion to approve the request.

[00:17:46]Uh motion as posted.

[00:17:50]We have a first from Jackie, second from Stacy to approve the request to hire as presented. Uh any discussion or questions from the public?

[00:18:05]Any additional questions for the the board? All those in favor say I. All those opposed, same sign.

[00:18:14][clears throat] Um, and I know Mr. Kinsey is not here tonight. Um, but the next motion item is approval of bills and wages. I believe earlier this month we had the wrong, um, link on our agenda. So, this will be the approval of bills and wages for June.

[00:18:35]make a motion to approve the bills and wages from June of 2026.

[00:18:43]>> A motion that we approve the bill wages.

[00:18:47][clears throat and laughter] >> I'll second from charity and a second from Jackie to approve the bills and wages for June of 2026. Any questions from the public on that action item? Any questions from the board that might be able to be answered?

[00:19:04]All those in favor say I. I.

[00:19:06]>> All those opposed, same sign.

[00:19:09]>> Okay. Uh the next agenda item is around the business manager district clerk hiring process. Uh selection of interview candidates and established interview schedule. Um so just a quick update on the hiring process. Uh as far as we're aware, five applicants were received. Um as of Friday, four applicants remain interested. I conducted a pre-screen just to find out if they were still interested. It had been a little while since they their applications have been received. Um I believe a couple of trustees met with the business office and gathered interview questions um including um MASBO material information and prior district documents.

[00:19:54]And out of the four applicants that remain interested, two applicants have requested a closed interview process.

[00:20:02]So tonight, uh, my recommendation is that we hand this off to the interim superintendent to conduct the interviews and return to the board with a hiring recommendation and a salary recommendation.

[00:20:16]>> That's my recommendation. I'll make a motion for discussion first. Um since uh Jackie and I worked on this together along with um crew upstairs I think so that we can keep that cohesiveness it would be prudent for Jackie Ry to sit in on those interviews also so that we can incorporate the work that we've done and and you know >> incorporate what we have heard from outside and so I I would like to we can figure out >> yeah depending on schedule >> yeah what does that look like like are you guys Mr. Rank, will you speak to what?

[00:20:54]>> I would love to reach out to each candidate tomorrow and ask for an interview and then I would set up a timeline that time with availability with everybody that we have. I'd like to do them back to back to make it simple um so that we can go through the process. We'll have a rubric that we follow. We'll ask the same questions. We'll score them at the end of that r uh at the end of all the interviews. We'll make recommendations for the next week. And so the committee that was created would sit in and do the rubrics with you.

[00:21:24]>> I I would love to have people that have been involved with this.

[00:21:27]>> Okay. Well, >> I was going to say we one board.

[00:21:33]>> Yeah. And I'll be traveling available Friday.

[00:21:36]>> Um you're available by Would you be willing to do Monday?

[00:21:42]>> I can do anything. It's what the applicants need.

[00:21:46]>> Okay. If we get you for next week, I'm available all week.

[00:21:51]>> I am available.

[00:21:52]>> Okay. Okay.

[00:21:54]>> I'm just working asking what that process looks like. Are you guys >> sure like do we just I mean my read is that I would or Stacy would um kind of let Steve know some of the comments and questions and concerns that we had discussed during the meeting with the the upstairs office. I'm sure you'll have some conversations too and just kind of >> and as part of the committee I'd love to have a pair on committee I'd love to have board member I'd love to have a couple >> we need to form that committee >> we would have yeah I have to reach out tomorrow and ask questions of what I get on the committee will be available and then at that point I would love to go through all the questions together and make that together we could do it in two days >> do we have a a do we have to do a special meeting to form that committee.

[00:22:44]>> I think do we because if we just give it to him to handle it then >> we should be able to committee.

[00:22:58]>> So we'll get input from upstairs. I would ask that you get input from upstairs as well.

[00:23:05]>> Wonderful. Thank you.

[00:23:07]Um, I'll motion to approve that we hand off the hiring process to the interim superintendent with uh his proposal towards a committee. Okay, we got a first from Jackie and second.

[00:23:22]I will second that.

[00:23:25]Um, so first from Jackie, second from Lacy to hand over the hiring process of the business manager clerk um to Mr. may to conduct the interviews and return to the board with a hiring recommendation and salary recommendation.

[00:23:40]Any questions from the public?

[00:23:44]Any additional questions from the board?

[00:23:46]All those in favor to give that to Mr. Mayhew say I.

[00:23:50]>> I. All those opposed saying shine.

[00:23:54]Okay, sounds good.

[00:23:57]Um so the next item on our um agenda is to interview trustee vacancy candidates and possible appointments. Um we had four don't think Miss ask is um in attendance. So um now what we'll handle is we do um plan to fill two positions tonight. those positions are to remain in those positions uh through May when we do our election. Um so it's less than a year appointment process. Um and I have four candidates. Uh it looks like three are present here tonight. Uh Mike Silveragel, Pam Ask was going to be available via Zoom. She's not on yet. Uh Jamie Fondre and Chelsea Seymour.

[00:24:48]Uh so at this time we'll go ahead and go through the interview process if you don't mind and Mike maybe we'll start with you and just kind of um move to the front row.

[00:25:00]>> We should the other minutes not hear the questions or >> it doesn't matter. Do you guys mind stepping out or if you care please step out and then we'll Thank you.

[00:25:19]Um so Mr. Silvering um we'll go ahead and start. Uh first of all I want to thank CeCe for putting the um interview questions today. So thank thank you for your interest in serving the Lwood School District as a trustee. The purpose of today's interview is to better understand each applicant's qualifications, commitment to public service, understanding the role of a trustee, and ability to work collaboratively as a part of a governing body. Trustees are expected to act ethically and with integrity.

[00:25:53]Understand that individual trustees have no authority outside of official board action taken at a properly noticed public meeting. Respect board policy, Montana law, and open meeting requirements. Work collaboratively with fellow trustees, the superintendent, district staff, and the community, even when opinions differ. Place the interest of the district and all of its students above personal interests or individual agendas. Again, we appreciate your willingness to serve our community and thank you for participating in the interview process.

[00:26:26]>> Uh so, first off, the first question is, why are you interested in serving on the Lockwood School Board for this appointment?

[00:26:34]Well, what first of my interest is seeing such a disconnect between school board within itself, work within admin, board within the community. Um, it not being a part of it, you can't really, you know, try to affect change very much. It's just noise unless you're kind of have skin in the game. So, um, I just like to see a better direction going for, you know, the kids, the admin community and try to do my best to help do that.

[00:27:09]>> Awesome. Thank you. What do you believe is the role of a schoolboard trustee and how is it different from the role of a superintendent in district administration?

[00:27:20]>> Well, I believe the role of a school trustee is to gather as much information on the agenda item. Um, be able to work with the board as a collective and fortunately come to a a agreement or a decision on whatever that agenda item may be whether it's beneficial to you personally or not. So >> awesome. Thank you.

[00:27:44]>> Uh this appointment requires someone who can become effective quickly. How would you familiarize yourself with the district policies, finances, current initiatives, and ongoing issues?

[00:27:55]Well, um I just dive into as much literature as I can right away. Uh fortunately with my job, like tonight, I'll be working 12 hours tonight, so I'd have plenty of time to and start reading and researching. So, um I like to have a full understanding picture before trying to help paint.

[00:28:18]>> So, just try to get as much information as possible.

[00:28:21]>> Awesome. Thank you. School boards function as a single single governing body and trustees have a duty to work collaboratively with every member of the board, not just those they agree with.

[00:28:31]Can you describe how you would build productive working relationships with trustees who have different opinions or perspectives than your own?

[00:28:40]>> I would just welcome open and honest communication with with that trustee or you know whether the opinions are the same or not. You know we we all have different perspectives. We all have different viewpoints of the agenda or even ways to handle that agenda. So I think just open communication between all the board members is a big thing.

[00:29:04][clears throat] >> Uh board members often fear concerns from parents, staff, and community members. How would you handle a complaint that is outside the board's authority?

[00:29:18]Well, if I was act correctly, I just let it know that's, you know, that's out of my personal um authority. There's nothing I can personally do. Um just discuss discuss.

[00:29:38]Uh tell us about your working or dealing with other adults who have very different opinions than your own.

[00:29:46]Well, at my current employment, we were part of a union. Um, so prior to this past year, I was the union president of that union for 12 years. So, there was a lot of dealings with, you know, union interest and managorial, you know, management perspective. So, there's a lot of meetings and discussions with, you know, very differing views. So, Uh last being a trustee can involve weekly meetings sometimes more sometimes less and the times can vary from early in the day during the standard 8 to 5 workday and through the evening. Are you available for unexpected meetings throughout the week and month and are you able and willing to commit to giving substantial primarily in-person time to this position?

[00:30:36]>> Yes. Um, I will say with my schedule though, it's it's not a normal 9 to5, so it fluctuates between days and night shifts. Um, but whatever I can attend personally, I'll do my best to attend Zoom or or whatever, but yes, I'd like to be very much present. So, >> perfect.

[00:30:55]Uh, you're welcome to stay and if you're able to stay, I'd ask that you do. Um, we do have Hank Peters that just showed up tonight. So after we get through the interviews, we will be appointing um two trustees and and doing the oath. So um you've completed your interview process if you um want to stay and listen to the others or step out bus.

[00:31:16]>> Okay. Um yeah, I might take off because I have to get up to Laura to work. So >> sounds good.

[00:31:21]>> Okay.

[00:31:21]>> Thanks, Mike. Y Thanks.

[00:31:24]>> Will you send Jamie in? Yeah, >> please. Thank you.

[00:31:38]Welcome, Miss Wrick. Hello. Uh, thank you for your interest in serving the Laughlin School District as a trustee.

[00:31:45]Uh, the purpose of today's interviews is to better understand each applicant's qualifications, commitment to public service, understanding of of the role of a trustee, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a governing body. Trustees are expected to act ethically and with integrity. Understand that individual trustees have no authority outside of official board action taken at a properly noticed meeting. Respect board policy Montana law and open meeting requirements. Work collaboratively with fellow trustees, the superintendent, district staff, and the community even when opinions differ.

[00:32:20]Place the interest of the district and all of its students above personal interest or individual agend agendas. We appreciate your willingness to serve our community and thank you for participating in this process. Uh first question is why are you interested in serving on the Lwood school board for this appointment?

[00:32:36]>> Well, I say I just got off of it. I think it's been two years now. I'm um and I just saw that you guys um have a need for a board member that knows policies, knows the routine um and I figure I'd step in until May um to help you guys out um in whatever capacity you guys need.

[00:33:07]Uh what do you believe is the role of a schoolboard trustee and how is it different from the role of the superintendent and district administration?

[00:33:16]Um well being a trustee you are one of seven.

[00:33:25]Um, and you first and foremost, and I've always when I when I first ran, it's always been um [clears throat] I've always been the voice of the community. Um, that was my stance. Um, and with that being said, I' I've always listened to the parents um and try to collaborate with the administrators and um along with the superintendent and the and the board members.

[00:34:01]Uh, this appointment requires someone who can become effective quickly. How would you familiarize yourself with district policies, finances, current initiatives, and ongoing issues?

[00:34:12]Um certainly I would have to do a refresher um on the current um the ch the changes um that has occurred and um but as far as the basic Montana laws, basic lockwood school policies that are in in place um I'm still very familiar with it.

[00:34:40]uh school boards function as a single single governing body and trustees have a duty to work collaboratively with every member of the board not just those they agree with. Can you describe how you would build productive working relationships with trustees who have different opinions or perspectives than your own?

[00:34:59]>> Um certainly come and talk to them. I mean open communication has always been um whether it's hard or easy. I've always spoke what I what I thought.

[00:35:21]Uh board members often hear concerns from parents, staff, and community members. How would you handle a complaint that is outside the board's authority?

[00:35:30]>> Refer them to uh policy 1700.

[00:35:36]Our favorite.

[00:35:38]Tell us about your experience working or dealing with other adults who have very different opinions than your own.

[00:35:45]>> Um, honestly, my opinions are not always like, like I said, it's a panel of seven. Mine is one. Um, and I just express where I'm coming from and what I've learned. um and what I've what has what has come to my attention and everyone on the panel's adults and you make your own decision. Great.

[00:36:14]>> Uh being a trustee can involve weekly meetings, sometimes more, sometimes less and the times can vary from early in the day during the standard 8 to 5 workday and through the evening. Are you available for unexpected meetings throughout the week and month? And are you able and willing to commit to giving substantial primarily in-person time to this position?

[00:36:35]Uh yes, if it's any I do work um till 4.

[00:36:40]Um so I could any time after.

[00:36:48]>> Thank you Jamie. Uh so we will uh H Peters has joined us. They'll be doing the oath later tonight um after we've uh finished the last interview and um make an appointment decision by the trustees.

[00:37:01]If you're able to stay, we'd ask that you do um in the chance that you're chosen and we can administer that vote tonight.

[00:37:10]>> Do Yeah. Will you have Chelsea come in?

[00:37:12]>> Thank you.

[00:37:13]>> Thanks, Jamie.

[00:37:20]She >> she could have.

[00:37:29]>> More, thank you for joining us tonight.

[00:37:31]Um, and thank you for your interest in serving Malach school district as a trustee. The purpose of today's interviews is to better understand each applicant's qualifications, commitment to public service, understanding of the role of a trustee, and ability to work collaboratively as part of a governing body. Trustees are expected to act ethically and with integrity. Understand that individual trustees have no authority outside of official board action taken at a properly noticed public meeting. Respect board policy, Montana law, and open meeting requirements. Work collaboratively with fellow trustees, the superintendent, district sta staff, and the community even when opinions differ. Place the interest of the district and all of its students above personal interest or individual agendas. We appreciate your willingness to serve our community and thank you for participating in this interview process. The first question is why are you interested in serving on the Lwood school board for this appointment?

[00:38:27]I would like to give back to my community, help our students with the best possible outcome after they leave this building and help our um district move to the next chapter and move forward.

[00:38:45]What do you believe is the role of a schoolboard trustee and how is it different from the role of the superintendent and district administration? The best definition I can find and that I believe is um the school board is to govern, superintendent is to manage.

[00:39:09]This appointment requires someone who can become effective quickly. How would you familiarize yourself with district policies, finances, current initiatives, and ongoing issues? Looking at the policies, looking at the procedures, following those policies. Um, the handbook is a big resource, and sticking with the facts.

[00:39:35]School boards function as a single governing body and trustees have a duty to work collaboratively with every member of the board, not just those they agree with. Can you describe how you would build productive working relationships with trustees who have different opinions or perspectives than your own? Listening first, taking the time to listen and understand um their perspective on it and reviewing what the actual policy is or the documents that you're looking at.

[00:40:04]and having an open discussion.

[00:40:10]>> Uh board members often hear concerns from parents, staff, and community members. How would you handle a complaint that is outside the board's authority?

[00:40:18]I would take the time and listen because that's our job as being on the board.

[00:40:23]And then I would um have them follow the policy and give them the resources where the procedure is and what steps to take.

[00:40:38]Tell us about your experience working or dealing with other adults who have very different opinions than your own.

[00:40:44]>> Um, I was able to serve on the high school bond committee um to get the bond passed um with the high school and there was lot lots of controversy in our um community at the time and just listening to people's concerns and not being defensive about it is I think the biggest thing. Um, I also was the co-chair for the 2026 grad party and we didn't always agree what we should do. I mean, simple things of what do we charge for twerk tickets and just listening to other people's and coming up with a solution together.

[00:41:17][clears throat] Being a trustee can involve weekly meetings, sometimes more, sometimes less, and the diff and the times can vary from early in the day during the standard 8 to 5 workday and through the evening. Are you available for unexpected meetings throughout the week and month? And are you able to able and willing to commit to giving substantial primarily in-person time to this position?

[00:41:38]>> I am. I have a flexible job. My only hold back is um being available to my kids events.

[00:41:51]>> Great.

[00:41:53]That was the last question. Um so we'll we're done with our interviews now. Pam, um I don't think ever joined us. Uh Jamie can come back in. Um and then we'll open it up for board discussion.

[00:42:10]>> Public discussion first. We'll do board discussion first.

[00:42:18][laughter] >> Okay. So, thank you guys. Uh for those that interviewed, I know Mike had to leave for work tonight already. Um we still have uh so we had Mike Sneaggel, Jamie Fondric, and Chelsea Seymour um that were here tonight and put their letter of interest in. We've conducted our interviews and so um we are needing to appoint two trustees tonight and I will take discussion from the board on this.

[00:42:54]I'm concerned with Mike's schedule and I know he said he could attend Zoom.

[00:43:01]12 hours shifts are hard. Um thoughts on that.

[00:43:08]>> I think all of our schedules are hard.

[00:43:10]>> Yeah. To say even the other sound like maybe have conflicts. We do have a lot of um I know cuz my kids are in a lot of the same activities and I've had to miss a lot of the kids activities. So yeah, I I think I would agree. Schedules are hard. I think regardless we do our best. We have to have a quorum. Um as you can see tonight there's four of us. We're down to five and uh Dave was out of town. So the more that we have um the opportunities to be more flexible I think are are there we motion I'd like to motion okay go ahead charity I'd like to motion um Chelsea I I think has some really great points that she brought up and spoke to and Jamie would bring back some experience on our board she's been on our board before.

[00:44:14]Motion can do one at a time. Yes.

[00:44:18]Motion we select J or Chelsea more.

[00:44:26]>> Okay. So I for the first appointment um to finish out the term through May um I have a first from Charity for Chelsea Seymour. Do I have a second?

[00:44:42]I need a little more discussion.

[00:44:44]>> Okay.

[00:44:49]>> And you want me to motion?

[00:44:50]>> Um, not yet.

[00:44:51]>> Okay.

[00:44:59]>> Do I have a second for Chelsea?

[00:45:04]At this time, I'll second that motion for Chelsea Seymour. It will take discussion or comments from the the public.

[00:45:12]And then uh yes, Miss Merchant, >> as a strong union member, I think having someone with a union perspective would be very helpful on the board in light of having two negotiation sessions this year, I think would be very um beneficial for you on knowing how to negotiate as a past president.

[00:45:32]>> Thank you. Okay. Okay. We'll continue discussion on the board. So, right now I have a first and a second.

[00:45:41]Any more discussion?

[00:45:46]>> Um all those in favor say I.

[00:45:48]>> I.

[00:45:50]>> I have um Lacy, Charity, and Jackie as I all those I >> Sorry. Yes. Okay. Sorry. I know it's kind of crazy. I thought you >> So we have the first appointment is to appoint Chelsea Seymour for the remaining um term and we had a first from Charity and a second from Lacy and then we had discussion. Um and so at this point I have a all those in favor for Chelsea Seymour being appointed say I.

[00:46:26]>> All those opposed same sign. So all four of our quorum has approved Chelsea Seymour and we'll do your oath at the end of this meeting.

[00:46:37]Um just one sec and then I will [laughter] uh at this time I'll take another motion to appoint the second trustee for the other open position that the board has for Mike. Okay, I'll second.

[00:47:07]So I have a first from Stacy and a second I put Mike sorry second from Jackie to appoint Mike Silveragel as the second trustee for appointment. Any discussion from the public?

[00:47:24]Any additional discussion from the board?

[00:47:27]All those in favor of appointing Mike Silvergel say I. I.

[00:47:32]>> I. All those opposed, same sign.

[00:47:35]Mike is our second appointment.

[00:47:40]And we do again uh we'll get those oaths figured out with Mike since he had to leave. Um Hank Peters is here who is a notary of the public. So Chelsea will do yours at the end. [clears throat] Um and so we'll administer. Uh actually Hank, do you want to go ahead and do that right now with Chelsea? Yeah.

[00:48:02]>> Before we adjourn, we'll just go ahead and do that.

[00:48:04]>> We'll just do it here.

[00:48:08]>> Congratulations.

[00:48:10]Nice to meet you, by the way. Um, I'll have you raise your right hand and repeat after me. I do solemnly swear or affirm >> I do solemnly swear or affirm >> that I will support, protect, and defend >> that I will support, protect, and defend >> the Constitution of the United States >> the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of Montana >> and the Constitution of the State of Montana >> and that I will discharge the duties >> that I will discharge the duties >> of my office with fidelity.

[00:48:38]>> With my office with fidelity.

[00:48:40]>> Congratulations. Um, you will print your name here and sign here.

[00:49:06]>> [clears throat] >> here >> then for Mike. You can have them stop by my office.

[00:49:22]>> Yeah. [laughter] >> Perfect. Thank you so much.

[00:49:28]>> Thank you. and we'll uh get the seals and get these mailed back to you.

[00:49:33]>> Okay.

[00:49:34]>> Thank you.

[00:49:37]>> Hey, uh that conducts the rest of our business before uh the adjournment. Just checking to see if there's any additional items from trustees.

[00:49:48]Hearing none, I will take a motion to adjourn and to adjourn.

[00:49:52]>> Second. Okay. I have a first from charity and a second from Jackie to adjurnn for the evening. All those in favor say I. All those opposed say sign.

[00:50:02]Thank you guys. Um and anybody that wants to