Plains residents show support for SkillsUSA program

Local residents showed overwhelming support for the SkillsUSA program at this month’s Plains School Board meeting, filling the school library with more than 70 attendees.

During the public participation segment for non-agenda items, many voiced concerns about the board’s delay in addressing the program. Several speakers questioned why SkillsUSA has yet to appear on the board's agenda.

Plains mathematics teacher Lisa Brown was among the first to speak. 

“I don’t know why we are kicking this can down the road,” she told the board. 

Shop teacher Kyle Mitchell read a letter from a former student and SkillsUSA member, highlighting how the program had positively impacted their life. 

“By now, the club should have elected officers, started planning service projects and begun fundraising opportunities,” Mitchell said. 

Ireland Corbin, a junior at Plains High School and a state officer in the SkillsUSA program, also addressed the board. She expressed frustration that the school has yet to establish a local SkillsUSA chapter this year. Corbin reminded board members that Plains was previously the first chapter to send a female student to the national convention in Washington, D.C. 

Current student Brian Lakko, who placed third in the junior high team engineering division. The award was the first ever for Plains junior high at the SkillsUSA National Convention.  

“It was a huge accomplishment for Plains,” Lakko said. 

His brother, Caleb Lakko — a recent Plains graduate and former SkillsUSA member — spoke about the program’s personal impact. 

“It helped me in ways that the school couldn’t,” he said. 

In total, more than 10 individuals spoke to the board, all emphasizing the value and importance of the SkillsUSA program for Plains students.

ALSO AT the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh reaffirmed the district’s continued support for the Harmony Educational Services online education program, clarifying updated guidelines that limit remote instruction to out-of-district students only. Under these guidelines, out-of-district students may participate in remote learning as long as they are physically attending either a school or an approved off-site instructional setting. 

On Saturday, Oct. 18, the district held a surplus equipment sale, during which 30 items were sold. Additionally, the district supported a charitable initiative called Operation Warm Coat, which provided warm coats to students in need. The coats were obtained through a combination of grant funds and local donations. 

“The Circle was one of the groups that generously supported the program,” Walsh said. 

A total of 34 coats were distributed. 

Walsh also addressed the district’s safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and training. 

“We are hopefully overcompensating in every area of safety we can. It’s something we are taking very seriously,” she stated. 

Elementary School Updates 

Elementary School Principal Kevin Meredith announced that report cards will be released soon. The annual Trunk or Treat event is scheduled for Halloween Day at 2 p.m. Parent-teacher conferences are set for Nov. 4 and 6. 

Meredith also noted that students in the Harmony program (homeschooled students affiliated with the district) will be required to complete the same standardized testing as in-house students. 

“We will need to contact families with children in the Harmony program to ensure this happens,” he added. 

High School Updates

High School Principal Heidii Fettinger shared upcoming cultural events, including a theater production by the Montana Repertory Theater scheduled for Oct. 28, and a performance of "Richard III" by Shakespeare in the Schools on Nov. 14. 

Fettinger also spoke about the school’s emergency preparedness. 

“We had an accidental fire drill, but it turned out to be good practice — no one was expecting it, and that’s how real emergencies often happen,” she explained. 

Playground access approved 

A key topic of interest to the local community was public access to the school’s playground. The board unanimously approved a motion to open the playground to the public during non-school hours. 

Public access hours are as follows: 

June and July: 4-10 p.m.

August: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m., until school resumes.

September – June: Closed to the public while school is in session. 

Signage displaying these hours will be installed at the playground. 

Other Board actions 

The board approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for therapist Tammy Alexander, who will be available to students every Wednesday. 

The following new hires were approved: 

Robin Lewis – School Nurse 

Tianna McGonagle and Lacey Morrison – Full-time Paraprofessionals 

Danielle Paquet – Part-time Paraprofessional 

Jolynn Hansen – Substitute 

Kim Lakko and Cindy Gumm were hired as National Honor Society advisors. Notably, both will be donating their stipends back to the school. 

Coaching positions were filled as follows: 

Chad Revier and Jack Revier – Junior High Girls Basketball Coaches 

Austin Turner – Junior High Boys Basketball Coach