Malta Public School Board Announces Superintendent Hire

At the close of the Malta School Board meeting held on Wednesday, February 8, it was announced that Steven Bucks (pronounced Boocs) has been hired to fill the position of superintendent for the Malta School District. Steve and his family currently reside in Lemmon, SD.

Though no transition date was announced, current MPS Superintendent Matt Genger is retiring in June.

The sophomore representatives of the Student Council spoke before the board and guests and gave them an update on recent activities, including assisting with the fundraiser efforts for Skyla Sisco, National FFA Week, and recent FFA competitions.

Principal Shawn Bleth addressed recent parent-teacher conferences and the winding down of wrestling season. He stated that Eric Visican of "Burnt Image" would be in the area soon filming, and would also be at the school.

Mr. Bleth said that the MHSA had failed to approve adding ESports to the extracurricular activities to those passed. However, he would ask that Malta pursue adding the class. He said it will be another option for keeping students involved, would add another avenue to keep kids eligible and motivated academically.

Nationwide, 41% of those enrolled in the ESports have never participated in any athletics or extracurricular activities. This is a large group that has a need that is being unmet. The board gave him the approval to go ahead and pursue the matter.

Elementary Principal Shiloh Seymore reported that parent-teacher conferences had a good turnout. The county spelling bee had been completed and the grades were gearing up for Valentine's Day parties.

Interest in the science fair is up this year with 97 signed up, compared to 56 last year. The B.U.G. assembly had been held and the elementary classes were participating in February's "I Love to Read" month and the kids had enjoyed "Little Mustang" activities.

The recent PD (Personal Development) speaker spoke on self-care and emotional care. Bench mark testing had been completed and the results were positive, with each grade level raising the results.

Transportation updates were presented by Pat Sargant; buses are road ready and he is waiting for the second evac test that is pending.

AD Desiree Egger gave a quick wrap up on activities and happenings: wrestling season, and the Honors Band and Choir. Of course the big focus is the upcoming district basketball tournament hosted by Malta, and the divisional and state games to follow. The new shot clocks for the old gym have arrived and need to be put up.

Steve French addressed the board and public assembled, stating about 20 years ago he had proposed to the MHSA the idea of letting eighth graders practice with the high school kids. It was voted down, and now he would like to see the district consider the idea. He gave statistics from other schools who are allowing such. Following his presentation, Jake French, Dave Costin and Dusty Squires all spoke and provided their take on the concept.

In further action, the board approved a resolution to have a school election. They also approved the hiring of an engineering firm, Ray Dawes of Four Front Design, for designs to remodel and update the restrooms in the elementary school.

Principal Bleth asked for approval to allow Student A to gradate, stating considering the price they have had to pay to get through high school. He said, "...the student has missed out on a year of school and to get where they are now is a pretty remarkable thing," and added that the student has been easy to work with. The board unanimously approved the accommodation and also approved the same for Student B, who has been in a similar situation in life.

Principal Bleth addressed another need within the community – that being a program for those who haven't finished school. In visiting with OPI, he would like to offer one similar to the one offered by Dawson Community College. The school would provide the materials to facilitate the program. It would take an individual six to twelve months to complete. He said Debbie Skaggs has run a similar program and would be interested in facilitating the program. The State would hire her, the school would provide a room and the computers, and the classed would run in the evening.

With this program, the students would have to stay active, and upon completion the students would test onsite in Havre or Ft. Belknap. He stated there are a couple of reasons for not finishing, stating, "...some we can keep – some will walk."

Principal Bleth told the board there are funds available for Adult Ed, should new computers be necessary.

Supt. Genger added it is important, especially those that are18 and older. Each community would have the option to utilize the program, as it would be opened to anyone in the county. A motion was made, seconded and passed in favor of pursuing the class.

Principal Bleth then brought before the board the results of the staff survey recently provided to all employees of the district as to their opinion on changing over to a four day work week. He stated that most of the responses returned are in favor of it.

A staff committee will look at the possibilities, what time the learning day would start and end. Would they be looking at having it in place this year or next?

Board Chairman Carter Clausen said, "...if your percentage is adamant that they want it, they better get on their ponies and start figuring stuff out in a hurry because time is a ticking...we have to approve next year's calendar shortly. If we want to start in the fall of 2023 it has to happen quickly...very quickly."

It was stated it needs to be determined before negotiations begin, as it will affect not only teachers, it will affect bus drivers, cooks, para staff, janitors, etc.

The concept has to be staff led, it will not be administration led. Principal Bleth will head a committee to further look into the matter.

Supt. Genger provided enrollment figures. He also addressed the current bills in the legislature. He strongly urged staff to follow the bills and costs.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 8 at 7 pm.