Polson School District Superintendent David Whitesell introduced Rob Hankins as the incoming Polson High School principal during Monday night’s regular trustee meeting.

Hankins said he and his family plan to move to Polson in early July, when he will “begin working immediately.”  

Trustees Caryl Cox and John Laimbeer gave a presentation on their work on a long range strategic plan for the district. The board unanimously approved a resolution to allow work on the plan to continue with Montana School Boards Association representatives.

The board also gave Whitesell unanimous approval to proceed in drawing up a grant to secure more Quality Schools Grant Program funds offered through the Department of Commerce. 

After a presentation from Western Montana Addictions Services director Skip Rosenthal, the trustees gave Whitesell approval on a memorandum of agreement to allow WMAS to integrate its school-based service into the district. As of now, the services would include having a WMAS licensed addiction counselor available to students referred for help. WMAS is a nonprofit entity funded heavily by state block grants.

Rosenthal presented a chart showing Lake County teens, grades eight through 12, reported a higher percentage of alcohol and marijuana compared to statewide numbers.

Lake County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Barb Monaco supported WMAS, and the service integration idea.