Chinook High School Board Meeting

The Public Schools District 10 Board Meeting was held on December 9th at 7:30 PM. The board met the required quorum to hold the meeting. Three members were not in attendance, and only one member of the general public attended. The meeting started after a call to order, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. Student Council President Carson Kelly gave insight to the statewide Student Council Convention held in Bozeman. Speakers at the convention addressed students on leadership, while students participated in workshops to include self-defense and the effects of bullying. Kelly made mention of an important workshop, students had opportunities to simulate how the government works, and stated the convention was a success. School leaders expressed gratitude for the assistance of the student council for setting up a very large Christmas tree that was placed in the entrance of the high school. Students attended a planned movie day at the Cottonwood Cinema in Havre on December 18th. Kelly concluded the Little Caesars fundraiser pizza kits had arrived last week. If you have not received your previously ordered kit, contact the High School Principals’ office.

All regular agenda items were completed by board member vote in the affirmative.

Principal Brian Rayburn announced past school activities. On the 8th of December, the Missoula Children’s Theater came through town. Practice started off with a tough break for the director, who suffered an injury while on set; other teachers were able to assist throughout the week. The adapted Jungle Book story, music, and lyrics were presented by Michael McGill. Opening on Saturday, the 8th, the first show drew in over fifty in attendance with great success. Three weekends ago, students attended the “Snow Ball” at the High School. The dance was a success with many students staying till the end. Wrestlers started off the season in Havre with their first meet, some students did place in the event. The boys’ basketball team had a rocky start to the season, losing their first game. FFA students from the state attended the Montana Ag Expo in Bozeman. Several Chinook FFA teams did very well, including the meat judging students. Carson Rayburn took first place in the dairy judging competition; his father, Principal Rayburn was very excited to report. If you’d like to attend or find out when events are happening, go to the Chinook schools website for more information.

The Board moved right into the Principal’s report with the December High School Music Concert postponement; the concert will take place in January. More information to come on the date and time. Student lunch eligibility the past few weeks, has been reported high, with 30 students early in the month who were not allowed to go off campus for lunch, and 20 students mid-month. The number of students ineligible for off-campus lunch was down as we get closer to the end of the Semester. Student tardies are constantly fluctuating, seemingly down as well. Student lunch eligibility is based on individual student attendance, grades, and behavior. One or all three of these parameters are factors if a student loses their lunch eligibility. An inquiring board member asked about the behavior of students as a whole. Principal Rayburn stated, for the most part, in both city schools, behavior is good. However, eighth grade in general is struggling.

Principal Rayburn reported, through his efficient efforts, over $100,000 in much-needed electronics (laptops), which he calls “tech”, were given to the school district from the state. There is another future opportunity to receive more used tech, as Montana purchases electronic upgrades for state officials. Principal Rayburn announced he will keep a close eye on the situation as it develops to make the trip to Helena and pick up more tech. The high school wood shop instructors and students were excited to know they would receive a safety saw. A $5000 grant was given to the school for the item. While in use, the safety saw will shut down instantly if the saw blade comes into contact with human skin.

School District Superintendent Fred Hofman addressed the board, stating the district will see further reductions in staffing and funding due to the low number of students currently enrolled in the school district. Medowlark has between four and nine empty rooms throughout the day at any given time. There are not enough students in this district to attend school the traditional way; not enough students attending school cuts the bottom line for extracurricular activities such as cheerleading. However, staff pay is mandated to increase by 3% annually. Each student who attends school in the district brings in over $6000 in funding from the state each year. The board discussed out-of-district students, with one student who attended school in Chinook starting the beginning of this year, has since moved to the Zurich Elementary school. Funding for that student will be reimbursed by the Zurich school district to the Chinook school district within the next two years.

The board voted on a new school health insurance pool for staff; in the affirmative. The new health insurance was discussed, with board members asking questions about cost and coverage. Superintendent Hoffman assured the board that it is more cost-effective with about the same coverage.

Personnel and staffing agenda was discussed next, the board considered the hiring of Kim Clay as a kitchen staff and teacher substitute. Mrs. Clay was approved for employment. The board also approved the consideration of the election resolution—more information to come in the next three months.

There is a call for candidates; the Chinook Public Schools Board of Trustees will have three positions available. Two trustees are needed for District 10 High School and Elementary, who will represent Chinook School District 10, as well as one trustee for District 10 High School who will represent Zurich Elementary School District 17. All three trustee positions are for a three-year term. Completed Oath of Candidacy for Trustee Candidates must be received at the Chinook High School business office by 4 pm February 9th, 2026.

If you would like to attend the Chinook Public Schools Board Meeting, the meeting is an open forum to the public held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 PM in the high school. The next scheduled meeting will be January 13, 2026.