by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
Looking for the right place to work and live, come see what Colstrip Public Schools have to offer.
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
When you review your ballot for the May election, please remember: Your “yes” vote will provide the school with budget authority with little cost to the taxpayer.
There are two levies to be voted on.
● High School General Fund Levy
Mill levy proposition to finance the school’s High School General Fund: To determine whether the district shall be authorized to impose an increase in local taxes in the amount of $111,424.82 which is approximately 2.24 mills to meet the normal operational costs of the High School District General Fund for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The levy is ongoing once approved by the voters assuming the district levies that amount at least once in the next five years. Passage of this proposal will increase the taxes on a home with market value of $100,000 by approximately $3.02 and on a home with a market value of $200,000 by approximately $6.05.
● Elementary General Fund Levy
Mill levy proposition to finance the school’s Elementary General Fund: To determine whether the district shall be authorized to impose an increase in local taxes in the amount of $316,271.01 which is approximately 6.37 mills to meet the normal operational costs of the Elementary District General Fund for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The levy is ongoing once approved by the voters assuming the district levies that amount at least once in the next five years. Passage of this proposal will increase the taxes on a home with market value of $100,000 by approximately $8.60 and on a home with a market value of $200,000 by approximately $17.20.
As you may know, it is very important for Colstrip Public Schools to pass the General Fund Levies at both the High School and Elementary School. Your support is critical. These Levy Funds are crucial for maintaining salaries, equipment, curriculum, activities and the operational expenses of this district. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the Superintendent for more information.
A vote for the Levy Funds at the High School and Elementary District is definitely a vote for the children in which we serve. Get the word out and support our kids and see that these levies get a FOR vote. Thank you in advance for any, and all of your effort in seeing this need through.
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
This year, on
Championship Saturday, Tournament Director, Andrew Torgerson asked tournament
workers and girls basketball team members from Colstrip and Lodge Grass to help present the
flag that was brought to the school by the Army National Guard. Unfortunately
not all of the workers were able to participate, due to the responsibilities at
hand, but it was an opportunity to recognize so many that have worked so hard. Please keep in mind that those pictured are only a few of those that work the tournament.
Organizers: The tournament was
organized by the MHSA 3B District and hosted by Colstrip Public Schools.
Tournament Director and CHS Athletic Director Andrew Torgerson and High School
Principal Robin Nansel were responsible for organizing the tournaments and
making sure everyone and everything was in place. The MHSA provided the rules,
regulations, and guidelines for the tournament.
Officials: The tournament was
officiated by certified officials who were trained and licensed by the MHSA.
The officials were responsible for ensuring that the games were played fairly
and according to the rules. The officials also helped to maintain a safe and
orderly environment for the players and spectators.
Security: Volunteer security members, Colstrip Police Department and Rosebud Sheriffs Department were responsible for ensuring that the tournament was a safe and secure environment for the players and spectators. They helped to maintain order, prevent fights or disturbances, and respond to any emergencies that may have occurred during the tournament.
Concession Stand and Hospitality Workers: The concession stand
and hospitality workers were responsible for providing food and beverages for the players and
spectators. They helped to keep the concession stand organized and clean and
ensured that there was plenty of food and drinks available throughout the
tournament. Almost all of the hospitality food prepared and donated in order to provide coaches, drivers, volunteers, security, officials, workers of all types a place to eat and rest.
In conclusion, the 2023 Montana 3B District Tournament was a great success, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the various workers and volunteers who made the event possible. The event provided a great opportunity for high school athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. It also brought together members of the community and provided a great source of entertainment for local residents. We commend all of the workers and volunteers who contributed to the tournament's success, and we look forward to the next Montana High School Association event. Make Dust Colstrip Montana!
GO COLTS! GO FILLIES!
MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!
by Robert "Bob"
Lewandowski
The District would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding as everyone has made sacrifices as we worked through this unforeseen emergency.
FACTS OF THE MATTER
In the early hours of July 5, 2022 a hail storm struck Colstrip causing considerable damage across our community. Some places were worse than others. On the outside, the District buildings seemed to weather the storm without damage; however, the inside of the gymnasium had water. Pools of water were discovered in the gym by both emergency exit doors by the custodial staff as they came back from the holiday break. Once the water entered the building and pooled up, it began to travel back toward the door and run beneath the door jam down to the base of the current floor and down to the sub-floor. Noticeable cupping could be seen and felt on the surface of the top floor approximately 30 feet in diameter of each of the two north doors.
The standing water was immediately removed. The water that went under the floor was also mitigated as quickly as possible. Testing for mold would have to be done. It would take two weeks for cultures to develop and be analyzed. Unfortunately, after that time period, the cultures indicated mold growth. Approximately 30 feet of gymnasium floor would have to be removed to get rid of the mold.
At that time, an emergency board meeting was called. The Colstrip School Board of Trustees declared the damage caused to school facilities by the July 5, 2022 rain, thunder and hail storm as an unforeseen emergency as defined in 20-3-322(5). The school facilities damaged by the storm were scheduled for use at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year, beginning on the first day of school on August 24, 2022.
The school insurance carrier agreed that the damage would be covered by insurance and the school should take additional action. As Superintendent, I contacted Tyler Bush, Design Build Engineer from McKinstry. McKinstry was hired by the District to provide Design/Build Contracting Services (project manager). Mold remediation took place immediately and the damaged floor was removed.
Contracts were developed to replace the floor. Due to the cost of replacement the insurance carrier had to gain permissions from their re-insurer before the contracts could be executed.
The re-insurer had to re-examine all details. Time was of the essence; however, total agreement took time. After two weeks, the contract to begin work was approved. Schedules had to be pushed back, but the floor construction and demolition were underway. The board and public were provided updates from McKinstry and myself at the monthly board meetings.
In addition to the replacement of the floor, Colstrip athletic teams had to deal with a different practice and game facility. New schedules were developed. Our entire community made sacrifices to do the very best to make good out of a difficult situation. It was remarkable seeing everyone pull together to make things work. Signage was established at Frank Brattin Middle School. New wall mats were installed and lighting updated. Everything from concessions to entry had to be considered in order to host varsity contests.
Meanwhile, the old floor was removed. Upon removal, the new floor materials came in as scheduled. The new sub-floor was installed, emergency doors were replaced with a water tight solution, bleachers were pulled out and the new floor was put in place. As contractors worked, it was the goal to get the gymnasium ready for District Basketball Tournaments and possibly senior night for the winter sport teams.
"Get out in front and stay there!"
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
The bottom photos are of the new teachers and staff. Please welcome our new teachers from left to right: Jane Goedert (HS Business), Angie Gotfredson (FBMS Art and Family Consumer Science), Heidi Becker (Elementary 1st Grade), Hailey Brauer (Elementary 4th Grade), Deanna Patton (HS Family Consumers Science), Henry Scarber (Elementary 5th Grade), MaLesha Siegel (Elementary 2nd Grade), Precilla Hance (Elementary 5th Grade), Taylor Ramsey (FBMS History), Wayne Graham (CHS/FBMS World Language).
Please welcome our new staff members from left to right: Don Limberhand (home liaison), Micheael Engelhart (CHS Custodian), Britney Allen (District Clerk), Stacey Batie (FBMS Secretary), Amy Quinlan (Maintenance and Bus Driver), Dani Erickson (Payroll Clerk), Steven Hanson (CHS Custodian).
If you run on to these folks at school or in the community, please give them a warm welcome.
"Get out in front and stay there!"
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
This week is so important as it is Teacher Appreciation Week! As trite as it sounds, most educators don't get into this profession to make money, they are in it to make a difference. In cleaning up after COVID, they are working to bring our communities back together. Their classrooms are filled with numerous losses, mental health challenges, in addition to learning gaps that were created by the pandemic. Teachers are a part of so many different lives. They are MAKING DUST AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
We need to recognize that teachers can provide the pathway back to normal. Our country needs public education and the people that serve our families more than ever. Teachers need support and we need more of them. Please take the time to let them know that they have your support. Take time to let them know that you appreciate the work they are doing. When you VOTE, keep teachers in mind. The payment that comes from appreciation does more for our youth than we know.
I know we all appreciate the road that our teachers have been down serving our community during this pandemic. Let them know it. Go out of the way to give them a call, text, email or thank them personally. It is in giving that we receive.
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
If you miss this
regular registration deadline (30 days prior to the election), you may still
register for the election by showing up at the county election office up to and
including on election day. Between noon and the close of business on the day
before election day, you may complete and submit a voter registration card, but
you will need to return to the district voting location on election day to pick
up and vote a ballot. The county election office is located at: Rosebud County
Courthouse, 1200 Main Street, Forsyth MT 59327.
A late registrant may obtain a ballot on election day at the following
location: Central Administration Office, 216 Olive Drive, Colstrip MT 59323
by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski
The Core Values listed in the Colstrip Public School Strategic Plan (see below) are the enduring principles that guide a school district and should be used to guide the choices and decisions we make. In the case of Jewel Davenport, Robert Whitehead and Janelle Loyning these values were authenticated and articulated by what they did and what they do and what they care about.
Robert Whitehead met this challenge from the start, at 6:00 AM, and didn't go to bed until midnight. He was again up for the next week. Naming all of the things he did to get our middle school back on its feet would be a long and trivial task. He called in contractors. He stayed with them as they pumped 54,000 gallons of water out of the lower level of FBMS in -27 degree weather. He assisted them as they replaced and renovated electrical panels. He assisted the implementation of an independent heat source and power source to keep the building from freezing up. He addressed multiple water breaks in several different places during the cold spell. He continued to move furniture and equipment out of the Central Office. He maintained the snow removal before and after school. He is exhausted. He is invaluable.
Janelle Loyning was equal to the task of moving equipment and materials to give our middle school teachers and students the things they needed to continue the instructional process at the high school. She also worked until the job was done. She didn't quit until the job was done.
Probably the most selfless act of kindness, consideration and compassion was modeled by Jewel Davenport, the Counselor at Colstrip High School. Central Office was without a place to continue business. Our offices were destroyed. After looking at the possibility of temporarily moving into the high school office area, Jewell Davenport moved her office and reception area without being asked. She simply said, you needed a place to work. It had to be done. I was amazed; in this act, Jewel Davenport built consensus around values, principles and standards. She walked the walk.
These three people lived the shared values outlined in our Core Values of Colstrip Public School. They modeled the way. It is with a great deal of pride that I was able to award them the "Make Dust or Eat Dust" Buckle for their extraordinary acts demonstrated this last month in regards to the water damage at Frank Brattin Middle School.
THANK YOU: Jewel, Robert and Janelle for MAKING DUST!
THANK YOU: Jewel, Robert and Janelle for providing the needed HCA (safety, support and belonging) to keep our school "afloat."
__________________________________________________________
Core Values of the Colstrip School District:
Loyalty, Trust and Respect – We believe that mutual loyalty, trust, and respect amongst key stakeholders (students, staff, board, and community) are vital to the success of our students.
Responsible Citizenship – We believe that it is important to prepare students to be cognizant of and to be positive contributors to all levels of the democratic process.
Stable, Positive, Safe and Healthy School Climate – We believe that accepting, appreciating, and embracing diversity and the uniqueness of all people contributes to a positive, safe, and healthy school climate for both students and staff and the long-term values of our community.
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| Jim Atchison present to the Coal Board on September 12, 2019 |
