Swan Valley School Board
SWAN VALLEY - The Swan Valley Elementary School Board held a discussion on how they should approach advertising an open part-time principal/teacher position during a special meeting Wednesday, May 26. They unanimously voted to have Erin Lipkind, Missoula County superintendent of schools, and District Clerk Heather Mincey create an advertisement for the position on the school’s website with the stipulation that it could be modified at any time. They also certified their new trustee Sophie Trull.
Ralph King served as the school’s principal for two years. His contract will be up July 1. He chose not to renew it this year so he could officially enter into retirement.
Board members and staff outwardly expressed appreciation for his service and dedication to the school.
“I just wanted to thank Ralph for the time that you’ve been here,” said junior high teacher Colleen Harrington. “You came here during what was a challenging time for us and you guided us with immense dignity and integrity and amazing experience and I am forever grateful for having met you and for having worked with and for you. And I’m sad to see you go. I wish you nothing but the best … but I just wanted to publicly acknowledge that and thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Lipkind attended the meeting remotely. She advised the Board that they be flexible with the candidates they consider by creating an advertisement that allows for a variety of applicants to apply. Their main goal is to hire someone who can fill an administrative role at least part-time although ideally they would like someone who can also fill a teacher role at the school. The position will remain open until filled.
King said ideal candidates would have areas of expertise that could enhance their students’ education. Vice Chair Jimmy Boyd said if a candidate had experience in fields like music or technology, then the school could potentially develop a new program altogether.
Lipkind said certain factors could make finding qualified candidates difficult including housing costs, other open positions around the state and a shortage of candidates.
“Being open to a variety of potential situations will hopefully provide you with the best possible applicant pool,” she said.
If they were unable to hire a replacement, Lipkind said she would be able to offer teacher evaluations and would collaborate with Mincey on various grant applications. She would also be willing to help advise the board on the general budget.
One downside is that she estimates that she could only visit the school in person about once a month. She could attend board meetings via Zoom.
Boyd said they should prioritize staff retention over forcing an administrator that is incompatible with the community and school culture. He also had concerns that if they advertised the position as being part teacher, part administrator that it would bring in a younger demographic with a lack of experience.
After they certified Trull, the board discussed how they would fill the current open space on the board. Marcia Tapp, who recently concluded her position on the Board, said that she would be willing to return to her position for another year if they are unable to find someone else by their July 11 deadline. If this happens she would have to be sworn in again at a future meeting.
The Board’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, June 7.
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