New Plains superintendent working toward certification

Newly appointed Plains School Superintendent Ryan Rettig attended his first school board meeting last week, providing an update on his progress toward earning his Montana superintendent certification.

The certification requires extensive education and experience, including a master's degree, a current Montana Class 3 administrator license with a principal endorsement, and at least one year of experience as a licensed principal. Rettig told the board he is completing the required coursework for his superintendent endorsement as classes become available.

The first item on the agenda was consideration of proposed changes to the junior high and high school student handbook. Before board members discussed the revisions, Board Chair Colleen McCarthy invited public comment.

Local resident Erika Lawyer expressed concern that one of the proposed changes to the dress code appeared to target a specific demographic.

"I fully understand that it is not my job to create policy for you all, but as a parent and a taxpayer, I do give input on the policies you all decide to institute for our kids," Lawyer said.

Following public discussion, board members voted to postpone action on the proposed handbook revisions until a future meeting.

The board also approved the hiring of Michael Chenoweth as a volunteer assistant wrestling coach.

After the vote, McCarthy introduced Rettig to those in attendance. Rettig explained that he is currently completing a superintendent internship through the university and expects to be assigned a mentor in September.

"I will have a mentor that will probably be assigned to me in September," Rettig said.

Rettig also announced that Elementary Principal Kevin Meredith will assume the duties of athletic director while continuing to serve as elementary principal.

"He is going to clean up some of the communication and streamline some things," Rettig said. "He will make some improvements around funding and protocols in place with coaches. I will be taking three or four things off his plate that Heidii (Heidii Fettinger, the high school principal), will be taking over."

"I have been doing a lot of listening and learning," Rettig said.

Maintenance Director Russell Kujala provided an update on the renovation of the girls' restroom in the school gymnasium.

McCarthy also addressed concerns raised by parents about delays in finalizing student class schedules.

"He is very committed to making this a lot better this year," McCarthy said of Rettig.

The district continues to recruit paraprofessionals for the coming school year. Rettig noted that finding qualified applicants has become a statewide challenge.

"We need to do a more thorough job checking applications and references," Rettig commented. "If we are not allowed to check references, that will be a red flag for us."

He said the district currently has two applications under review while several paraprofessional positions remain open. The district is also seeking to fill an elementary teaching position.

Board members approved a request for the Search and Rescue Club to travel to Spokane for field training and also approved bus routes for the 2026-27 school year.

A lengthy discussion followed regarding the possibility of forming a girls basketball cooperative between the Plains and Hot Springs school districts. Several audience members shared their opinions on the proposal.

Lawyer cautioned that combining the programs could reduce participation opportunities for student-athletes in both districts.

"Committing to a co-op that is truly collaborative takes time, and a true basketball co-op is a three-year commitment," Lawyer said. "If you form a committee tonight, please look at the feasibility of this for the 2027-28 season and not this upcoming 2026-27 season."

Local resident Wayne Baker discussed the logistical challenges of sharing facilities for practices and home games and noted that scheduling contests with other schools could become more difficult if the districts field only one combined team.

Board member Doug Padden recommended forming a committee to study the proposal before making any decisions.

"I would like to investigate it first and try to get some answers from Hot Springs and see where they are at," Padden said. "I want to have a concrete conversation with somebody from Hot Springs, get some information and bring it back to you guys and chat with Kevin."

Before adjourning, McCarthy informed the public of two new methods for requesting that items be placed on future board meeting agendas. Residents may now submit requests through an online form or make their requests in person.

    Plains School Board Chair Colleen McCarthy discusses a co-op partnership with the Hot Springs School District. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)