In one of its shortest meetings in recent months, the West Bonner County School District quickly corrected an Open Meeting Law violation that occurred at its June 25 meeting.

The violation occurred when the phrase action item was left off the agenda on a number of items, including the changing of the junior high mascot and hiring of Vanessa Haggett as the new Priest River Jr./Sr. High School principal.

Monday's vote, which included board vice chair Margaret Hall attending remotely, was unanimous. It both voided the June 25 actions and opened the door for the board to vote on the measures with the items appropriately noted on the agenda.

In measures addressed by the board, Haggett's hiring and changing of the junior high mascot from the Warriors to the Spartans, were approved unanimously with minimal comment.

Haggett, who replaces Matt George in the Priest River Lamanna position, was unanimously approved to lead the junior/senior high school after her recommendation to the post by Superintendent Kim Spacek.

Haggett most recently has worked as principal of the Eagle Cap Innovative High School and Baker Virtual Academy in Baker City, Ore. She brings 18 years of experience as an educator, having taught a variety of levels from fourth through 12th grade in a wide range of subjects, from science and yearbook to physical education and culinary arts, according to WBCSD officials.

Among the items that impressed the hiring committee was Haggett's transformation of a struggling alternative high school into a thriving "educational choice" with a waiting list. Haggett was able to increase course offerings, improve attendance and graduation rates and introduce Sources of Strength, a program that supports student mental health by building on existing strengths like positive relationships and healthy habits.

"Vanessa is deeply committed to fostering inclusive and respectful learning environments, and she has a strong track record of working with local community partners to celebrate student success and support families," Spacek said June 25. "We are excited to have her join us and look forward to the leadership and innovation she will bring."

The school district began looking at changing the name of the junior high school mascot last month to allow all middle and high school students — now housed under the same roof — to be represented by the same mascot. Currently, the students attend classes in the same building but are represented by different mascots — the Warriors and the Spartans. The proposed change presented to the West Bonner County School Board would allow all Priest River students to be housed under the Spartan name, creating a sense of unity in the district, supporters said.  

According to a survey conducted by junior high students, 60% of surveyors support the name change, while 40% oppose it.  

The board is also slated to discusses the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, proposed medical and dental plans, meal and milk prices, a proposed food program task force and a resolution for disposal of surplus property.