(PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
DISTRICT BUSINESS … Superintendent Travis Lichty and Treasurer Carla Rice look over items to be discussed during the latest board meeting.
By India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Board of Education met on Tuesday, October 8th. At 5:30 pm after the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence the meeting was called to order in attendance were board members Jennifer Schlosser, Board President Nate Rose, Troy Roth, Dunne Gambler, Treasurer/CEO Carla Rice and Superintendent Travis Lichty, Elementary principal Lance Thorp and Jr/ High School principal Su Thorp as well as High School Government students and a few members of the community. Board member Patti Rockey was absent.
On the agenda for discussion items was the 2025-2026 school Calendar Public meeting in which Superintendent Lichty commented that there would be 180 days of instruction and that parent-teacher conference days may be moved around—no public participation or comments.
For the superintendent and principal reports, Mr. Thorp mentioned a few upcoming planning and events such as the Walk-a-Thon and Soil Day and the forthcoming Quiz Bowl on October 22nd in Bryan at 6:30 pm. He also talked about testing for the new text and email alert systems.
Mrs. Thorp thanked the High School Government class for attending the meeting. She talked about programs at Northwest State for welding and how that was going for trade/skill classes.
Homecoming went well even though it was changed around a bit. Mrs. Thorp mentioned the feedback from students was that they preferred the way it was set up before so they have more time to prepare for the Homecoming dance.
Superintendent Lichty reported plans to repair the gym and track and repair security cameras. He also mentioned all required safety drills went well. The board approved the minutes from the September 10th meeting. Moved by Gambler seconded by Roth.
For the treasurer report, Carla Rice talked about working on the five-year forecast as well as looking at the numbers concerning CEP lunch programs.
Rice recommended to the board that the financial reports be approved as well as the following donations, From Bean Day’s $100 to Band from Anonymous 1000 for state testing snacks for students.
$1400 from First Club going to Archery and wrestling, and $7350 from Athletic Boosters going to Football, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Volleyball, and Golf.
Superintendent Lichty recommended to the board to approve the employment of classified staff and the resignation of Gerry Dewire cafeteria manager. Recommend hiring Gerry Dewire as a library aide and approve the recommendation of the resignation of Linda Cummings.
Recommend adding Jennifer Spangler, Naveah Rodgers, and Brandi Boyd to the substitute aide list for the 2024-2025 school year. Recommend to approve classified supplemental list for the 2024-2025 school year. Motion to approve by Roth seconded by Rose.
Other business recommend approving a corporate membership to the Montpelier Rotary Club. $259 annually with meals billed quarterly for the Superintendent, Treasurer, and three principals. Moved by Rose and seconded by Gambler.
The Montpelier Board of Education meeting adjourned at 6:08 and entered into executive session. The next meeting will be held on November 5th at 5:30 pm.
