One Nation, Under God

Superintendent Genger Talks About A Grand Plan

At the Malta School Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, November 10, Supt. Genger stated that “We need to start the conversation on what to do with the Old Gym.”

Genger said that additions/improvements are needed throughout the building. Locker rooms, heating system, ADA compliance, eventually flooring, etc. He feels that the district needs to prioritize the current campus sites and determine the needs and value of usage. Then construct a long-term/range plan of improvement for the entire campus area.

Genger said the obvious number one priority in the District is the boiler/HVAC system in the Elementary School. But what’s after that?

As an EXAMPLE of what he is talking about, Genger gave this; Old Gym renovation vs building an axillary gym next to MS/HS building. He added, now say the City is in need of a new pool. We work with the City of Malta to build an axillary gym with a pool next to the MS/HS building. “That is what I mean by a GRAND long-range plan to concentrate the District’s building resources in a more concentrated and effective manner. Being proactive rather than reactive.”

Again, Genger reiterates that this is just an example. NOT an actual plan.

“The conversations need to happen,” said Genger. “Nothing will ever get done if it’s not talked about.”

Board President Carter Clausen said, “Projects like this are exactly why we needed the building reserve levy passed last year that didn’t. If the community wants that building to keep going, we need to be able to move forward with the next building reserve.”

Board Trustee Scott Meneely added, “I think when it comes to the mill levy, we need to be a lot more transparent with the community as to what the mill levy is going to be used for.”

Everyone agrees that the Old Gym is a very important building in the City of Malta. It was just used as an example of the forward-thinking that Supt. Genger is talking about.

In the administrative reports portion of the night’s agenda, the board heard from Student Council members Aubri Werk and Elly Anderson.

Anderson told the board that the Student Council has had the snack cart out before study halls. There is a $3 maximum and the largest bill you can use is $5.

Werk told the board that the Student Council has been talking about the current dress code in the student handbook.

“We have been comparing it to other schools,” said Werk. “Like Harlem, Glasgow, and Lewistown to see how we can improve it.”

Supt. Genger asked the girls how ours compares to the surrounding school.

Werk said, “They are pretty much the same. A few of theirs had examples in them of how the clothes should be worn. How long things should be and what’s the appropriate length of some things.”

Anderson added, “Theirs is just a little more updated than ours. Ours is SO 2000’s. It talks about baggy pants and long belts.”

After everyone else (the adults) in the room recovered from the ‘so 2000’s’ comment, High School Principal Bleth said, “It is one of the goals that we ask the Student Council to do is to have a say and have some input on what is in the handbook and give their opinion on it. If there’s wording in our handbook that doesn’t make sense to them, that’s a problem. So that’s what we are asking them to fix.”

The other main topic that was discussed at the meeting was that of COVID protocol.

Kelly McCann, Teachers Association President, addressed the board.

“The teachers are concerned. I’ve been asked by the teachers to open up a line of discussion with the board on things like protocols. One of the big concerns is what’s going to be the ongoing issues with COVID-related leave for teachers?”

“I am aware of some of the bigger schools in the state that have put in protocols for that kind of thing. I know there are certain stipulations that have to be met to qualify for them,” said Clausen. “That is something that would have to be opened up in bargaining again through the finance committee. No actions can be taken here right now.”

McCann said, “Whichever committee would be willing to meet with us and hammer out some thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated.”

 

Reader Comments(0)