Plains schools see increase in student enrollment

After several years of declining student numbers, the Plains School District is now seeing a positive trend in enrollment.

According to data from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) website, enrollment dropped from 453 students in the 2022-23 school year to 426 in 2023-24. However, during this month’s school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh reported an increase — from 389 students at the end of last school year to 408 at the start of the 2025-26 year. 

The most significant growth was noted in the junior high grades. Walsh added that additional enrollments are expected. 

“That’s a pretty nice trend,” she commented. 

During the public comment portion of the meeting, local resident JoAnne Baker raised concerns regarding access to past meeting minutes about the school playground closure. Baker requested copies of any minutes referencing the playground being closed to the public, including any public input on the matter. She also asked for a list of attendees from those meetings to ensure fair stakeholder representation. 

Concerns were raised about meeting minutes not recording the names of speakers or the topics discussed during public participation. In response, board member Colleen McCarthy recommended that such information be documented moving forward. 

Teacher Lisa Brown addressed the board during public participation, highlighting the variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs currently offered in the district. 

In her superintendent's report, Walsh discussed the upcoming Trunk or Treat event scheduled for Oct. 31 at the school. So far, 10 volunteer trunks are expected to participate. This marks the third year for the community event. Walsh also shared an update on Operation Warm Coat, an initiative to provide winter coats to local children. Thanks to outside donations, 70 coats in sizes 6–18 were purchased. 

“We are going to try to serve our community and help them get ready for the cold months,” Walsh said. 

Elementary Principal Kevin Meredith reported on the success of the new preschool program and noted that 17 students are participating in the after-school program. 

High School Principal Dr. Heidii Fettinger shared updates on the school’s music program, which includes 13 students in the high school band, 15 in choir, and 24 in the junior high band. She also reported that all 7th-grade students received Chromebooks for the school year, and the district has implemented software to protect students from harmful online content. 

Under unfinished business, the board requested a review of line-item budgets and actual expenditures. Temporary Business Manager Gywn Andersen presented financial reports from the general fund. These documents are available to the public at plainschools.com/agenda. 

The board recognized high school student Ava Lawyer for setting an MHSA girls' soccer state record for the most saves in a single season (2024). 

Board members voted to purchase new payroll software from Black Mountain, which is expected to save the district money compared to the current system. They also approved the sale of surplus equipment, with a list of items to be posted in local newspapers. Sealed bids will be accepted, and some items will have a minimum bid requirement. 

Staffing Updates 

The board approved several new hires: 

Jullian Keeney and Cheyanne Little Whirlwind for the 21st Century After School Program 

Christina Larsen as a kitchen helper 

Kim Earhart as a volunteer coach 

Lyle Fisher as Junior High Athletic Director 

Sue Snead, Tracy Inman, and Terri Baker as substitute teachers 

Lacey Holland as a long-term maternity substitute teacher

    Ava Lawyer was given recognition by the Plains School Board for her MHSA Girls Soccer State record for most saves in a single season in 2024. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)