SEELEY LAKE – The Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) Board of Trustees recognized trustee Debbie Dupree for her 15 years of service at their April 25 board meeting at Seeley-Swan High School (SSHS). They also took public comment that included a request for drivers’ education in Seeley Lake.
MCPS Board Chair Marcia Holland and MCPS Superintendent Mark Thane recognized Dupree for her service on the board on behalf of the board, the community and the students of SSHS. She received a gift from the board and everyone in attendance enjoyed cake with their dinner.
Holland recognized the number of times Dupree drove to Missoula in all types of weather, dodging animals and in dark. “And she has rarely missed a meeting in 15 years,” said Holland. “That is something to be commended.”
“This is a volunteer position that is not compensated,” said Thane. “The reason I think she has served 15 years on the board is she feels so strongly about her role as an advocate for the students, not only for the students of Seeley but students across our district in general. She has truly been a great voice on the board. She makes certain that we attend to the issues that affect a small school in a different fashion than the three urban schools or Willard. She has made tremendous sacrifice to offer that service. On behalf of the entire school district and the board, I can’t express enough the gratitude we have for your tireless service. We wish you all the best.”
Principal Dr. Kathleen Pecora also thanked Dupree for her service and for her representation of Seeley-Swan High School (SSHS).
During public comment Steve Johnson, business owner and father of an incoming freshman, requested that the board consider holding driver’s education in Seeley Lake this summer. He said there are 16 students that would like to take the class and thought the number could be up to 20 if it were advertised. He feels that it is an important class where the students learn a lot of valuable skills. He felt that traveling to Missoula for the six-week course puts an unneeded burden on the students and families.
Annette Johnson, teacher and parent of a 16-year-old, shared a letter from Seeley Lake resident and concerned senior citizen Ken Kronsperger asking the board to provide driver’s education to those that need it in Seeley Lake.
“One thing that almost every student will do when they walk out these doors is … the most dangerous activity of their lives,” wrote Kronsperger. “They will get into a 3,000 pound missile, guided by the student who has been taught to drive by anyone that has the time…The only way to break the chain of [poor driving habitats] is through education, thereby establishing correct, lifesaving habits…Poor driving skills and habits cause the advent of serious pain and possibly death to the students you have worked so hard to prepare for a long and prosperous life.”
In other business:
• Dr. Pecora informed the board that SSHS was named as a nationally recognized best high school in the country by U.S. News and World Reports for the fourth year in a row.
• Thane commented how pleased he was with the $1.8 million investment into SSHS including the stage, hallways, restrooms and infrastructure work. “I think it was a great investment in the facility and I hope it will continue to serve the school and community well in the coming years,” said Thane.
• MCPS Operations and Maintenance Supervisor Burley McWilliams anticipates the new track at Big Sky will be completed by the start of football at the end of August. All the track meets were relocated for the month of May taking the pressure off to get it done in a hurry.
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