Plains School Board reviews payments to consulting firm

The Plains School Board meeting last week addressed a full agenda, beginning with ongoing concerns over district payments to ANB Consulting, a firm based in Kalispell. 

The issue has sparked heated public discussion at previous meetings. Board member Colleen McCarthy questioned why the most recent payment was higher than usual. McCarthy pointed to a $7,000 bill from ANB Consulting, which she said was $2,000 more than the previous month. 

Chair Lana Dicken said that they’ve had the firm perform some additional work for the school and it was expected to be higher than normal. 

McCarthy also questioned a $2,688 bill from Kalevala Law of Missoula.

The board also approved consideration of a resolution to impose an adjustment in non-voted levies for the upcoming fiscal year beginning July 1. Preliminary estimates show a slight increase in transportation costs, no change in tuition and decreases in both adult education and building reserves. 

The figures remain tentative, as the final budget for the 2026-2027 school year will not be adopted until August.

Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh reported that the district has received a mental health grant at no cost to the school. 

The program called “Good Thanks” is designed to strengthen school climate, support mental health and foster a sense of belonging among students. 

Walsh also highlighted the upcoming “Forever Young Dance,” scheduled for March 26 from noon to 2 p.m. This will be the third year the school has hosted the event for community members aged 55 and older, with support from SkillsUSA, the Plains Student Council and the National Honor Society.

In staffing news, Walsh announced the resignation of Brooks Sanford as the girls’ basketball coach. She also recognized paraprofessional Debi Kulawinski, who is retiring after 35 years of service to the district. 

“She will be sorely missed,” Walsh said.

Elementary Principal Kevin Meredith followed with a report celebrating the conclusion of “I Love to Read Month.” He praised the strong participation from parents, community members and staff, noting their efforts to make reading engaging and enjoyable for students. 

Meredith also highlighted a recent visit from the Missoula Children’s Theatre, which worked with local students to prepare a performance staged this past Friday. He extended special thanks to the Plains Woman’s Club and the Parent-Teacher Association for providing lodging and meals for visiting staff.

Looking ahead, Meredith discussed the upcoming Sealants for Smiles event, now in its 10th year. Local dentist Dr. Blake Sherwood of MT West Dentist and his staff will provide dental exams to students with parental permission. The event is scheduled to take place March 26th .

High School Principal Heidii Fettinger reported on the school’s updated emergency operations plan, led in part by board member Colleen McCarthy. The plan addresses preparedness and response for natural disasters, environmental hazards and human-related threats. Fettinger also shared the success of the school’s recent Screen Free Day, which encouraged students to spend time without electronic devices. She noted that many students responded positively and expressed interest in continuing the initiative to promote more face-to-face interaction and hands-on learning.

During the new business portion of the meeting, board members approved several items. These included a lease agreement with Energy Partners to acquire propane tanks at a cost of $5 per year and the renewal of a 10-year lease with Norco for a tank used in shop classes.

The board also reviewed the condition of school band instruments, determining that nine were beyond repair. Members voted to classify them as surplus property and discussed options for disposal, including donation, repurposing as props, or incorporating them into student art projects.

The final item addressed was the approval of Revier Transportation’s new electric buses for use on existing district routes during the second semester. Current estimates show diesel fuel costs ranging from $0.36 to $0.66 per mile, with typical buses averaging 6.5 to 8.5 miles per gallon. In comparison, electric buses are estimated to cost between $0.14 and $0.26 per mile to operate, based on current electricity rates.

Plains High School Principal Heidii Fettinger discusses upcoming school events at last week's school board meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

Plains School Board Member Robert Cutlip speaks at last week's meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott