School board addresses issue, for now
September 10, 2013
School District 101 Superintendent Dick Conley was right when he said there were no easy answers to staffing issues in the district's three elementary schools, and there was dissension within the board on how to remedy the situation, at least for now.

After hearing from several concerned parents, from teachers and administrators, the board split with a 3-2 vote to approve the hiring of a third grade teacher at Naples Elementary to eliminate two combined classes of second and third and third and fourth graders, each with 28 students, restoring each grade level to a classroom of their own.

There's still a combined third/fourth grade class at Valley View, but with only 13 students in each, and at Mount Hall a kindergarten with 26 children, a third grade class with 29; both well above the district's policy for optimal student/teacher ratios.

While credit was given to the teachers tasked with teaching large classes in dual curricula, Naples parents spoke of younger children overwhelmed by the lessons taught the older students, of older children underwhelmed by hearing lessons already mastered, and concern that the combination of dual classes and high student numbers would adversely affect their education forever.

One brave young Naples third grade girl, obviously scared, stood up to say she wasn't comfortable in a class of mixed grades, and wanted to be in a classroom with her peers.

Steve Alvarez, himself a former Naples student now teaching one of the packed combined classrooms there, said he was up to the challenge, but admitted the situation was less than ideal, risking a pay cut to do what was best for his students.

There was talk among the board of tabling a decision, but it was agreed that a decision had to be made.

Trustee David Brinkman made motion to hire a Naples third grade teacher, Mike Weland seconded to open discussion, and asked if it might be better to hire two teacher's assistants, one at Naples, one at Mount Hall.

Initially three board members seemed to favor that approach, but another issue was raised.

A new student testing system is being put in place in Idaho schools to replace ISTARS, one that is tougher, expected to drop student scores by an average of 40 points, known by a different acronym through its test phase but ironically to be known once again as ISTARS when it becomes standardized across the state in 2015.

"Parents are likely going to have concerns when their children, testing as exceptional under the current ISTARS, are rated 'proficient' under the new," said curriculum director Robin Merrifield.

Brinkman raised the concern that we are not only asking too much of our Naples dual class teachers teaching two different curricula to two grade levels in too large classes, but asking them to do so during a transition as to how a student's progress, and a teacher's effectiveness, is measured.

On the issue of funding, district clerk/treasurer Diane Cartwright said that it could be eked out, but it would come from next year's contingency fund.

A terrible topic was raised, one no board member wanted to hear.

"Can we ask voters for funds next year? We'll support you ... and we need to ask for more."

The board was reminded of its own motto, "Our kids are worth whatever it takes."

With the district facing the likely loss of considerable federal and state funding next year, the likelihood that terrible choices face the district next year can't be denied.

The district asked for the very least it needed from local property owners the last time it floated a levy, and for the first time in over 20 years, the levy passed on the first attempt.

The thought of asking again is abhorrent, but it's a decision to be agonized over later ... there is the off chance that legislators, both state and federal, might elevate education funding on the list of priorities.

"Oh, how I hope so," Conley said, wringing hands held to heaven.

Still, a motion sat on the floor.

After hearing again from parents, and hearing Conley's assessment of options, and discussion among board members, Weland fell on the side of hiring a teacher. Brinkman called for a vote, but board chair Melanie Staples allowed the discussion to continue, and it was argued that with a budget already stretched, the district could hire four additional half time teacher's assistants at less cost than a single teacher, effectively stretching both teacher effectiveness and the district budget.

"I don't much like any of the options you're faced with," Conley reiterated.

Discussion ended, Staples called for a vote.

Weland, "aye." Nichele Whittaker, "aye." Beverly Krichbaum, "nay." Brinkman, "aye." "Staples, "nay."

There was good news; each school administrator reported that both staff and students appear excited over the year ahead. Parents and PTO groups continue to make amazing contributions; the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho presented a check for $90,000; more than ever before.

"It's that time of year again, the students are back in school and we are all looking forward to a fun-filled year of education and learning," Kootenai Tribal Chair Jennifer Porter wrote ... "The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho is proud and honored to be a part of the education of our young people and highly support the efforts of all the educators who make a positive impact on them."

The only thing missing on the new and beautiful playground equipment at Naples elementary is wood chips; it would have been hard to keep kids off the teeter totter and no one wanted to see any child hurt.

The chips are being delivered today, the ride installed.

High School athletic director Steve Morton reported a marked increase in student participation in fall sports and a pretty auspicious start to the season in all Badger sports.

Middle school principal David Miles took a full 60 seconds at most to say that all was well.

One fair piece of news? The number students lost to the district, initially estimated at 100, continues to fluctuate daily, but it now appears that what might have been more than a $518,000 reduction in funds is far less; overall attendance now appears down by only 38 students.

That could, however, change tomorrow, depending on how many parents keep their children in Boundary County Schools, and on how often those children show up to sit at their desks.

"We can't try to anticipate tomorrow," Krichbaum said. "We have to cope with what we face today."

With the continued passion, help and giving of the people of our communities standing to support our schools, Brinkman said, answers will come.