Colstrip Legislative Reception

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski    

It was a pleasure representing the District and celebrating Colstrip at the Colstrip Legislative Reception held Monday night at the Great Northern Convention Center in Helena. Our District was one of thirty co-sponsors for the event.  The event provided co-sponsors a venue to discuss concerns and opportunities with legislators. More importantly, it was an extraordinary night of honoring former Senator Duane Ankney.  

 

Speakers included the former Senator, Senator Jason Small, Senator Barry Usher, Representative Gary Parry, Representative Paul Green, Mayor John Williams as well as Governor Greg Gianforte. Their greetings echoed the part that Colstip plays in energy and service to the State of Montana and the greater United States. The reception boasted about the Colstrip community and the hard working and dedicated people that live here.

 

If hearing about the great things that Colstrip has to offer wasn’t enough, NorthWestern Energy announced that Avista would be transferring its interest in Units 3 and 4 at no cost to NorthWestern Energy by the end of 2025. The deal would give NorthWestern authority to use up to 444 megawatts of power from Units 3 and 4, double its current share. NorthWestern believed that the deal provides certainty for the community of Colstrip and Montana. That message resulted in one of a number of standing ovations.  For more information go to: https://www.ktvh.com/news/northwestern-energy-to-increase-stake-in-colstrip-power-plant?_amp=true

 

The final standing ovation was given to former Senator, Duane Ankney for his dedication and service at the legislative level since 1987. It was a great night for Duane and a great night for Colstrip. It was an evening that would not have taken place without the organizational efforts of Jim Atchison and the South Eastern Montana Development Corporation. Thank you one and all for the opportunity to celebrate our community!

 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

College Graduates Wanted for Teaching Positions

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Looking for College Graduates. Most everyone in the country is aware of the national teaching shortage. Here at Colstrip we too are searching for teachers. At this time we have 4 elementary teaching positions open, 1 high school business teaching position and 1 special education position. We have filled several positions already. Moving forward, the District has utilized Emergency Authorizations from the Office of Public Instruction to fill positions. This year, the 67th Legislature made revisions to the Montana Annotated Code to attract more professionals to teaching.

Make no debate about it, the District is seeking professionals, but we realize they come with different educational backgrounds. Not having a teaching certification will not limit an individual from an opportunity to teach. With that being said, we want to encourage those that have a bachelor of arts or science degree from an accredited college or university as well as significant experience in the area of teaching to apply for employment at Colstrip Public Schools. You can go on line at https://colstripsd19mt.sites.thrillshare.com/page/job-opportunities and apply for the openings listed.

See Emergency Authorization (MCA 20-4-11 2021) below for more information:

As outlined by HB 246

Section 6. Section 20-4-111, MCA, is amended to read: "20-4-111. Emergency authorization of employment.

(1) A district may request from the superintendent of public instruction an emergency authorization of employment for a person who is not the holder of a valid Montana teacher or specialist certificate and a required endorsement as an instructor of pupils when the district cannot secure the services of a person holding a valid Montana certificate and a required endorsement. The person must have previously held a valid teacher or specialist certificate from Montana or another state or shall provide acceptable evidence of academic qualifications or significant experience related to the area for which the emergency authorization of employment is being sought as prescribed by the policies of the board of public education for and during an emergency. Emergency authorization of employment must indicate:

(a) the district to which the authorization is issued;

(b) the person whom the district is authorized to employ;

(c) the endorsement for elementary or secondary instruction and the specific subject fields for which authorization to employ the person is given; and

(d) the school fiscal year for which the emergency authorization of employment is given.

(2) Emergency authorization of employment of a person is valid for the school fiscal year identified on the authorization and may be renewed in accordance with the board of public education policies. A fee not to exceed $6 and, if no teacher or specialist certificate or emergency authorization of employment has ever been issued for the person, a filing fee of $6 must be paid for the issuance of an emergency authorization of employment. The superintendent of public instruction shall deposit the fees with the state treasurer to the credit of the general fund.

(3) Emergency authorization of employment of a person may be revoked for good cause in accordance with the provisions of 20-4-110."