Sabo retains seat on school board

The Bigfork School Board voted to keep Denny Sabo on the board last Wednesday night, as Sabo was the only candidate running for his high school trustee seat.

Maureen Averill, whose seat is also up for election, is being challenged by Rodney Driver. That vote will be held on May 5 at the Ark building at Bethany Lutheran Church. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

About a half dozen parents showed up at the meeting to comment on the hiring of a new principal at the middle school, according to PTA President Brandie Kittle. That item of business was pulled from the agenda and wasn't discussed, but Kittle read from a prepared statement to express her — and the parents' — frustration with the situation.

Kittle said postponing opening the position to the public — Superintendent Russ Kinzer's recommendation to fill the position with 5th grade teacher Christy Deskins was met with widespread opposition last month — puts everyone in a bind.

It puts the district in a bad place to attract viable candidates, she said, as well as puts parents who might be considering whether to transfer to Kalispell or not in limbo.

"Even though they can apply for late registration, it is a burden on them," she said.

The district is waiting for the outcome of the state Legislature's decisions on the budget before making the decision, Kinzer said.

In other business at the meeting, the board decided bids to replace the drivers' education car weren't satisfactory and suggested going back to the dealers. Initial quotes for a new 2009 Dodge Caravan, including the district's trade-in, came in at about $12,000.

"The cost is higher than it has been in the past," said district Business Manager Eda Taylor. "We try to replace the drivers' ed vehicle every two to three years."

On the subject of the state budget, the board expressed deep concern over the Senate's decision to cut the Governor's recommended school budget increase from 3 percent to one percent. Though it currently looks like the difference might be made up with funds from the federal stimulus package, there is concern that the difference wouldn't be made up during the next session.

"If we only get 1 percent, we'll be behind the 8-ball right away," Averill said.

When a member of the public asked what anyone can do to help or whether it was already too late, Averill said any attempt is worth a try.

"I don't think it's ever too late to contact your representatives," she said.