Coal Board Fully Funds School Grant

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Colstrip Public School District grant application to the Montana Coal Board for ADA Compliance Modification and Improvements to the Colstrip High School Gymnasium was fully funded for $473,550.00 at the Montana Coal Board meeting on June 20, 2019. Of that amount $207,224.00 was a cash award and the remaining $266,326.00 is contingency biennium funding beginning July 1, 2019 (first priority).

This has been a project in the making for over a year with community strategic planning meetings, numerous board meetings and facility committee meetings.  There is so much work and planning that goes into a competitive grant process. It is such a thrill to see this project funded. When the award was unanimously approved by the Coal Board, I wanted to jump up, do a fist pump and cheer; however, I settled for a smile and the opportunity to thank the Coal Board. This award couldn't have come at a better time for our town and school.

Colstrip was awarded the grant to address ADA issues in our gymnasium seating and address the safety concerns with our gym floor. As for myself, I have helped too many people get up after falling down with our current bleacher system. Finding handicap seating is also been a problem. I know that tournaments bring a large number of people with disabilities and needs. It will be nice for them to have handrails and appropriate access to sit in the bleachers. 

The award not only addresses the need to replace the current gymnasium bleachers with ADA compliant bleachers as well as sanding, painting and refinishing of the gym floor, it also will allow the school district to address it's deferred maintenance list that totals over $3.5 million dollars. Anything we can do to help offset these types of expenses will certainly help minimize the taxpayers obligation and burden.

The Coal Board's support of this grant application will be experienced by thousands of southeastern Montanans in a single year. In fact, the district basketball tournament alone brings thousands of spectators, family members and fans by itself. This grant will be shared by all of our surrounding communities.

There are so many to thank for this award, and in the process, that I don't know where to start without leaving someone out. Whether you attended a strategic planning meeting, board meeting, facilities meeting or a ball game and mentioned the need to better serve the handicapped and the safety of students and community alike, thank you.  Thank you to those that stood along side and represented our school and community and provided a testimonial at the Coal Board Meeting: Brent Burton, Bruce Brown, Tyler Bush, Jim Atchison, Joanne Schrupp and Jody Bird Williams. Thank you supporting legislators like Representative Kenneth Holmlund, Senator Barry Usher and Senator Duane Ankney, just to name a few, for their continued support of the Coal Board. Special thanks to our Mayor John Williams for his leadership and guidance throughout this whole process.

Most of all, thank you Montana Coal Board and Staff for seeing the need and the opportunities here in Colstrip Montana. The Coal Board is 100% funded by Montana coal severance tax. With that, I would humbly ask our community to thank the Coal Board Members for their support:

John Williams, Chair
Colstrip, MT
District 2
Field: Impact Area
john.williams@mt.gov
Term: March 10, 2017 to January 1, 2021

---

Sidney Fitzpatrick, Vice Chair
Hardin, MT
District 2
Field: Impact Area
sidney.fitzpatrick@mt.gov
Term: March 10, 2017 to January 1, 2021

---

Sean Smith
Anaconda, MT
District 1
Field: Business

Term: May 31, 2019 to January 1, 2021

---

Marianne Roose
Eureka, MT
District 1
Field: Public Administration
marianne.roose@mt.gov
Term: February 15, 2019 to January 1, 2023

---

Veronica Small-Eastman
Lodge Grass, MT
District 2
Field: Education
veronica.small-eastman@mt.gov
Term: February 15, 2019 to January 1, 2023

---

Tim Schaff
Roundup, MT
District 2
Field: Education
tim.schaff@mt.gov
Term: February 15, 2019 to January 1, 2023

---

Amber Henning
Missoula, MT
District 1
Field: Attorney
amber.henning@mt.gov
Term: January 26, 2018 to January 1, 2021

Mega Issues Board Work Session Planned for January 24, 2019

By Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Colstrip School Board of Trustees would like to invite the community to its next Board Work Session to review options to mega issues that may be faced by our community and schools with the closure of Units 1 & 2. The Work Session will be held at 6:00 PM in the High School Commons on January 24, 2019.
 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Seeking Solutions: Community Input Desired

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

On October 24, 2018 the Colstrip School Board hosted a Workshop to discuss the mega-issues that may affect our community and school. MTSBA Debra Silk facilitated the meeting and used a Knowledge Based Decision Making Model to review the pending closure of Power Units 1 and 2 and the impacts that have the potential of impeding the School District’s ability to achieve the long term goal of the Colstrip School District to continue tp prepare our students for life, college and career readiness. 

The School Board would like to invite the public to a follow-up meeting to share in the discussion and planning of future options and considerations in regards to the discussions that took place at the October 24 Workshop. Tyler Bush, Senior Executive at McKinstry will facilitate this meeting. The next Workshop will take place at 6:00 PM on November 15, 2018 in the High School Commons. 

Your input in this process is valued and needed for addressing and finding solutions to the mega-issues identified above. We hope that you will be able to attend.

PROCESS USED FOR DECISION MAKING 

Knowledge-Based Decision Making Process

In addressing identified mega-issues that have the potential of impeding the School District’s ability to achieve the Envisioned Future, Colstrip Public Schools is committed to applying a knowledge-based decision making process.  The framework for this process in addressing and finding solutions to the mega-issues identified above is as follows:  

Question #1 – What do we know our students’ / parents’ / community’s / needs, wants and preferences that is relevant to this decision?

Question #2 – What do we know about the current realities and evolving dynamics of our community that is relevant to this decision?

Question #3 – What do we know about the capacity and strategic position of the Colstrip Public Schools that is relevant to this decision?

Question #4 – What are the ethical implications of our choices?

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

Mega Issues facing the Colstrip School District

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Over the past several years a number of changes (economic and otherwise) have taken place in our community. Some of these changes are of strategic importance and have been identified as mega issues by the School Board of Trustees.

With that in mind, the Board of Trustee would like to invite the community to join them on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 starting at 5:30 PM in the Board Room located in Frank Brattin Middle School to review current mega issues and identify new issues that are impediments to the School District and its Envisioned Future.

WHAT ARE MEGA ISSUES?

Mega issues are issues of strategic importance, which represent choices the school district will need to make in defining the ultimate direction of its long-range plan.  These issues represent potential impediments to achievement of the Envisioned Future and form a basis for dialogue about the choices facing the School District. Using a knowledge-based approach in gathering insights relative to Colstrip Schools’ strategic position and directional choices for each of the issues, these questions can serve as an ongoing "menu" of strategic issues and can be used by the Board to create regular opportunities for strategic dialogue about the future issues facing the school district.

Mega-Issue Questions:

How do we fully integrate and align our schools, our curriculum and our programs at all levels to ensure that we have interconnectedness at all levels and that students are transitioning seamlessly?

In light of the anticipation that 40% of our staff will be of retirement age in 5-10 years, what do we need to do to ensure that we are attracting and retaining highly qualified staff to meet the needs of our students now and into the future?  

How do we ensure that we are utilizing available and contemporary technological equipment and applications that enhance our students’ learning opportunities?

Knowledge-Based Decision Making Process

In addressing identified mega-issues that have the potential of impeding the School District’s ability to achieve the Envisioned Future, Colstrip Public Schools is committed to applying a knowledge-based decision making process.  The framework for this process in addressing and finding solutions to the mega-issues identified above is as follows:  

Question #1 – What do we know our students’ / parents’ / community’s / needs, wants and preferences that is relevant to this decision?

Question #2 – What do we know about the current realities and evolving dynamics of our community that is relevant to this decision?

Question #3 – What do we know about the capacity and strategic position of the Colstrip Public Schools that is relevant to this decision?

Question #4 – What are the ethical implications of our choices?

MORE ABOUT STRATEGIC PLANNING

Three-to-Five-Year Planning Horizon

Outcome-Oriented Goals and Strategic Objectives

The following thinking represents goals for the next five years. They are areas in which Colstrip Public Schools will explicitly state the conditions or attributes it wants to achieve. These outcome statements will define, "what will constitute future success." The achievement of each goal will move the school district toward realization of its Envisioned Future.

Strategic Objectives provide direction and actions on how the school district will accomplish its articulated goals.  All strategies included in the strategic plan should be considered accomplishable at some point in the future.  Strategic Objectives are reviewed annually by the Colstrip School Board, Staff Leadership Team, and faculty.

Goals of the Colstrip School District

Goal Area 1: Academic Improvement  

Statement of Intended Outcome, Five years:  Colstrip Public Schools has set a high academic bar with a one-hundred percent graduation rate.  We have established an educational program which meets the individual needs of students and allows students to progress according to their individual capabilities.     

One to Two Year Strategic Objectives:

1. We will increase rigor and expectations in core academic areas that are an important foundation for our students.
2. We will enhance opportunities for students in the areas of leadership, volunteerism and community service.
3. We will enhance our positive behavioral supports to increase student awareness of acceptable social skills.
4. We will enhance opportunities for students to be innovative and take part in project-based learning initiatives.
5. We will improve the alignment of our schools, our curriculum and our programs.  
6. We will enhance our recruitment and retention incentives and promote the positive attributes of our school and our community in an effort to attract and retain highly qualified staff for the success of our students.  

Goal Area 2: Fiscal Prioritization/Innovation

Statement of Intended Outcome, Five years:  Colstrip Public Schools has a fiscal prioritization plan and a plan/model for other methods of providing adequate funding of Colstrip Public Schools and its programs.

One to Two Year Strategic Objectives:

1.     We will enhance our school facilities to ensure that they meet the contemporary needs of our staff and students and promote student success.  

2.     We will increase the energy efficiency of our buildings, vehicles and other District property.

3.     We will enhance our efforts to more innovative in seeking out and tapping into a variety of both human and financial resources.

4.     We will enhance our advocacy for adequate funding at the federal, state and local levels.  

Goal Area 3: Community Involvement/Engagement

Statement of Intended Outcome, Five Years:    Colstrip Public Schools has created an environment of collaboration with families of students and with other educational stakeholders in the community.  As a result, the community is engaged educationally and interactively in the school environment.  Partnerships vital to the academic success and well-being of our students have been formed with educational stakeholders to assist the District in the delivery of our educational programs.      

One to Two Year Strategic Objectives:

1. We will provide enhanced opportunities for the staff to educate the Board and the community about the great things/initiatives that are being carried out in our schools.
2. We will provide enhanced opportunities to increase the community’s understanding of school funding and the financial needs of the District.
3. We will enhance our opportunities to recognize and show our appreciation for our staff and others who positively impact students and/or provide enhanced learning opportunities for our students.

Goal Area 4: Safe and Healthy Environment for Students and Staff

Statement of Intended Outcome, Five Years:  Colstrip Public Schools has systems in place to ensure that students and staff thrive in a safe and healthy environment.  We have established collaborative and cooperative relationships with outside organizations/support groups which assist students in dealing with social issues which are an impediment to student achievement.

One to Two Year Strategic Objectives:

1. We will enhance our wellness programs for our students and staff.  
2. We will increase the awareness of our students, staff, parents and community on the harmful effects of bullying and harassment and other barriers to student success.
3. We will enhance the security and safety of our buildings.  

Goal Area 5: Technology

Statement of Intended Outcome, Five Years:  Colstrip Public Schools has incorporated technology into all aspects of its educational offerings in such a manner as to prepare our students for a global environment.  We have done this in a systematic manner to ensure that our staff are comfortably utilizing technology through professional development opportunities and that our students are benefiting from the use of technology and other advancements, while at the same time educating students and staff about the ethical and accountability issues associated with the use of technology.

One to Two Year Strategic Objectives:

1. We will enhance opportunities for staff to become proficient in technology equipment and applications that enhance student learning.
2. We will provide enhanced opportunities to make technology equipment and applications that directly relate to our students and/or enhanced learning opportunities available to students, parents and community members.
3. We will increase opportunities for students to utilize contemporary technology devices and application to enhance student learning.  

Goal Area 6: Recognition of/incorporation of American Indian culture

Statement of Intended Outcome, Five Years:   Colstrip Public Schools has been successful at both recognizing American Indian Culture and incorporating such culture into the curriculum. Students and staff understand and embrace diversity of our citizens and show a genuine appreciation for having the benefit of learning and understanding the importance of American Indian Culture.

One to Two Year Strategic Objectives:

1. We will provide enhanced opportunities for American Indian involvement in the decision-making and governance processes of our school district.
2. We will enhance the integration and coordination of the American Indian culture into all aspects of our educational opportunities for students, staff, parents and community members.
3. We will increase student, staff, parent and community awareness of, appreciation for and celebration of our American Indian culture.

COME JOIN US! October 24, 2018

5:30 PM at Frank Brattin Middle School: Board Conference Room

Searching for "GREAT" Teachers!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Many schools across the country are having difficulty hiring teachers. It is no different here at Colstrip Public Schools. Teacher shortages are a reality.

The table at right indicates that schools throughout the country are grappling with teacher shortage. This graph indicates the subjects most effected across the nation.

Currently the Colstrip Public School District is searching for several positions for the 2018-2019 School Year. The District advertises these positions at both the state and national levels in hopes to gain the interest of teaching candidates that will do a great job. As superintendent, I send out individual emails to educational graduates soliciting their interest to come to Colstrip. Below are flyers I am posting on our District Facebook and my Twitter accounts to help get the word out.  Please feel free to share them in your social media.

 

Finding the best educators to serve the youth of Colstrip has become a focus. Very seldom do schools get a plethora of applicants for an opening. According to CNN's Caitlin Ostroff, she shared a study done by UCLA that found that college freshmen's interest in teaching as a career has steadily declined since 2006. In fact, nationwide teacher education enrollments have dropped 35% since 2009.  In addition, teachers leaving the profession have increased by 8% with two-thirds quitting before retirement according to the Learning Policy Institute. The bottom line is that fewer folks want to become teachers with a high percentage of teachers leaving the profession.

Hiring teachers and retaining teachers in remote communities is a challenge. There are so many variables to consider. Cost of living, quality of housing, access to shopping and eating amenities, health care and health insurance are just a few of the things that every potential employee considers before signing a contract. I also want to mention the biggest variable that comes into play is also the most difficult for remote educational communities to compete with: a candidates desire to work close to the home where their extended family reside. It is an employee's market in very demanding times when it comes to educational accountability. 

Districts have to be more strategic in the hiring process by doing some of the following: build relationships with surrounding teacher-college programs; grow your own teachers by generating student interest; get to the candidates first (before the competition); find new ways to solicit interest from teacher candidates; or provide more money, amenities and fringe benefits with fewer funds to do so. Searching for "GREAT" teachers is more difficult than ever. 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

MAKE DUST COLSTRIP! GET OUT AND VOTE!

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

I want to remind as many people as possible to get out and vote this coming Tuesday, May 3, 2016. Polls are open from noon to 8:00 PM.  The School District Board voted to present two general fund levies at this year's election to help pay for operational costs to the Elementary District and the High School District.

Traditionally the district has optioned to levy the maximum amount allowed by the State Funding Formula in order to maximize its budget authority within the General Fund. Even more important is the fact that this community has traditionally supported these levies without fail. Our community here in Colstrip has not only made an annual commitment to the needs our youth, but has also made education a priority by passing these annual levies.

With these two items on the ballot, I want to take the opportunity to outline what "operational costs" represent in this district. Operational costs include everything outside our payroll from toilet paper to water. This may sound over simplified, but the operational costs of this district are huge. For example our district's water bill from last year was $101,033.73. The water bill this year for the district, to date, is $115,464.98 and we still have several months before the fiscal calendar ends.  In addition to the on going and rising cost of utilities the district is also working to reduce a large deferred maintenance list.

Deferred maintenance are items that need repair or replacement in the district. Some of the largest and most expensive projects are being addressed through the building reserve levies passed last year; however, small items on the list add up. For example, large items like the roof repair and replacement of Pine Butte Elementary and the implementation of student safety and security items like access control, intrusion detection and video surveillance in all buildings are being addressed through the reserve levy. Smaller issues like the sign outside the high school, as well as other projects are budgeted as operational costs.

The bottom line is that the district is presenting these levies to the public so that it can continue to provide Colstrip the high expectations and excellence it has always known. The District is also aligning its practices with its Core Purpose.  In addition, the district wants to improve and maintain what we already have from the pool, fields and courts to the classrooms. No doubt, Colstrip has always been supportive of its schools and provided the best education possible. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN OUT IN FRONT when it comes to educational support, SO LET'S STAY THERE! Get out and VOTE! MAKE DUST!

If you have any questions concerning the items on the election notice below, don't hesitate to call my office or Business Manager Joanne Schrupp. See you at the polls!

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

See the NOTICE published on April 4, 2016 below for details.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the undersigned Clerk of Colstrip School District No. 19, Rosebud County, State of Montana that the Annual School Election will be held on Tuesday May 3, 2016, at the following polling place:

Frank Brattin Middle School Auxiliary Gym

216 Olive Drive Colstrip Montana

The polls will be open between the hours of Noon and 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

Electors will consider the following issues at the election:  

• Mill levy proposition to finance the school’s Elementary General Fund: To determine whether the district shall be authorized to increase local taxes in the amount of $355,873.99 which is approximately 4.58 mills to meet the normal operational costs of the Elementary District General Fund for the 2016-2017 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 $6.18 and on a home with a market value of $200,000 by approximately $12.37.  
• Mill levy proposition to finance the school’s High School General Fund: To determine whether the district shall be authorized to increase local taxes in the amount of $168,302 which is approximately 2.17 mills to meet the normal operational costs of the High School District General Fund for the 2016-2017 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$2.93 and on a home with a market value of $200,000 by approximately $5.86.

A qualified registered elector who will be unable to go to the polls on the day of election may request an “Application for Absentee Voter’s Ballot” from the school district clerk/election administrator’s office located at:

Frank Brattin Middle School Central Office

216 Olive Drive Colstrip, Montana

DATED this 4 th day of April, 2016

Joanne Schrupp District Clerk

Colstrip Public Schools Recommended for AdvancED System Accreditation

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Lead Evaluator, Agnes Smith, presents findings.

For the past three days Colstrip Public Schools has undergone an External Accreditation Review by AdvancED. This is the first time ever that CPS has been recommended for System-wide Accreditation!

AdvancED is the global leader in providing continuous improvement and accreditation services to over 32,000 institutions serving 20 million student worldwide.

The review team consisted of five individuals: Agnes Smith, Lead Evaluator; Shelly Weight, Associate Lead Evaluator; Shawn Hansen; Beez Lucero; and Marcus Lewton. The team of reviewers had 113 years of educational experience between the five representatives.

The External Team evaluated the Colstrip Public Schools based on three domains: Teaching and Learning Impact; Leadership Capacity and Resource Utilization. Each domain examined specific indicators that are key in evaluating educational institutions.

Results from the External Review Team are divided into three categories: (1) Powerful Practices; (2) Opportunities for Improvement; and (3) Improvement Priority.

The initial results indicated that Colstrip Public Schools had three (3) Powerful Practices these are positive attributes found in its school district that can serve as examples for other districts to model:

• The governing body has implemented a plan to review and address the needs of the system by devoting time during each board meeting to assess implementation of the system's strategic plan.
• Colstrip Public School District has implemented a process to identify and address the physical, social and emotional needs of the diverse student population it serves. 
• Colstrip Public School District has developed an effective structure to provide each student an adult advocate who builds a positive relationship with the student over time.

The External Team also identified four (4) Opportunities for Improvement. These are items that the District needs to focus on and make changes to during the improvement process:

• Implement a common evaluation process for all certified staff across the system.
• Develop and implement systematic procedures to provide mentoring and coaching related to conditions that support learning for teachers new to the system.
• Develop and systematically communicate instructional expectations that include formative assessments for ongoing modification of instruction based on identified objectives that consistently inform students of learning expectations.
• Create and implement systematic procedures whereby multiple student data sources, state standards and professional practices are utilized by stakeholders to regularly evaluate programs and collaborative adjust curriculum, instruction and common assignments to ensure vertical and horizontal alignment. 

The final report category is the Improvement Priority, this must be taken care of within two (2) years: 

• Colstrip Public Schools must develop a continuous improvement process that aligns system and school improvement efforts and provides clear direction to improve student learning. 

With these results, the External Review Team is recommending to the AdvancED Accreditation Commission that the Colstrip Public Schools earn the distinction of accreditation by AdvancEd. With that AdvancED requires the following:

• Improvement Priorities must be addressed within two years.
• The District must begin its journey of improvement
• The District must implement deliberate and strategic actions to ensure that every child, every day is being prepared and achieving success for their future.

Final results will be presented to the Accreditation Commission for approval and accreditation. 

Once again, system accreditation is the first to ever be recommended for Colstrip Public Schools. It is only the beginning of rigorous improvement and an intense focus on learning that will be uniform in all schools. This accreditation isn't accomplished by one or even several individuals. It is a team effort that includes all board members, administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents and community.  

When it comes to SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT, Colstrip Public School District is MAKING DUST! Well done everyone! 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"

A Purpose-Driven Education Through Strategic Planning

By Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Just short of seven years ago, on April 13, 2009, the Colstrip Board of Trustees formally adopted its new Strategic Plan.  Colstrip Public Schools’ Board and Staff Leadership Team embraced the method of strategic planning as a continual and ongoing process to set the direction of the District for years to come.  This is not a "strategic planning project" that is completed. Adoption of a strategic plan is an affirmation of the general intent and direction articulated by the Core Ideology, Envisioned Future and Goals and Strategic Objectives. It is understood that progress toward achieving strategic objectives will be assessed annually, and the plan will be updated based on achievement and changes in the needs of the children served by the Colstrip School District. 

Strategic Planning allows Colstrip Public School District to create a direction for the school district that strategically focuses its resources on identified wants, preferences, and needs of its community. As part of this process, Colstrip Public Schools has begun a strategic planning and thinking process which will lead to a stronger and more vital school district.  This process has been ongoing as Colstrip Public Schools moves into the future.  This strategic plan is intended to help Colstrip Public Schools in focusing its resources in a manner which will best benefit the children enrolled in Colstrip Public Schools.  

The Colstrip Board of Trustees and Staff Leadership Team began the strategic planning and thinking process necessary to amend its current educational goals to better fit with its commitments to children, to community engagement, and to knowledge-based decision making processes. The Board and Staff, through this process, to date have discussed at length how it could best meet the present and future needs of the students of the Colstrip Public Schools.  Point of fact, the School Board monitors Strategic Planning processes at every monthly meeting to assure the direction set are being met or are meeting the needs of our students 

One of the first  items the board and community determined in the strategic planning process was the Core Ideology of the District. The Core Ideology describes a school district's consistent identity that transcends all changes related to its relevant environment. The Core Ideology consists of the following two elements: 

1)   Core Purpose - the school district's reason for being (see slide above).

2)   Core Values - essential and enduring principles that guide a school district (see slide below). 

The Core Ideology and Purpose provide a foundation for purpose-driven governance. The framework used by the Colstrip School District for its strategic planning process was adapted from a model developed by Jim Collins, author of “Built to Last” and “Good to Great.” The Board focuses on five different planning horizons, starting with the long term issues first to provide focus to shorter term efforts. 

Follow up posts to this blog will further explore the strategic planning process and the District's Envisioned Future and the process associated in developing the District's Big Audacious Goal and Vivid Descriptions. 

GO COLTS! GO FILLIES! 

MAKE DUST OR EAT DUST!

"Get out in front and stay there!"