Culbertson School Board Approves Hires For Next Year
The Culbertson School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, March 18, at 6:31 p.m. Trustees present were board chair Ian Walker, Wendy Becker, Amber Fox, Chris Petersen and Lisa Steppler. Superintendent Nicole Simonsen, Mike Olson, Janessa Parenteau, Dave Solem and Lora Finnicum were also present.
The agenda was approved. Notice for public comment was given. March bills were approved, as were investments, note cash and extra- curricular balances. Reports were presented. BPA State Convention was held and five students qualified for nationals. Two students placed first and second in the Nyquist Foundation Essay Contest. Water has been restored to the Old Armory.
A second option for the 20252026 school calendar was approved as presented, ending before Memorial Day.
Kristin Petersen was approved for hire as guest teacher, pending background check. The resignation of Shannon O’Brien was approved.
A motion was passed to open and advertise for the vo-ag position. Simonsen is working on a few leads.
A motion was approved to form a cooperative for speech and drama with Froid/Lake for 2025-2026. Froid/Lake will only be responsible for their students’ meals. All other transportation costs will be Culbertson’s responsibility.
A summer 2025 driver’s education course with Dave Solem as teacher was approved.
Jenna Bowker was approved for hire as elementary/junior high track assistant Coach for 2024-2025.
A motion was approved for disposal of property and obsolete computers as presented.
The declaration of a flex day on April 22 was approved for the 2024--2025 school calendar.
A Resolution of Intent to Impose an Increase in Levies of $5,987 for the 2025-2026 High School Tuition Budget was approved, as was a Resolution of Intent to Impose an Increase in Levies of $15,157 for the 2025-2026 Elementary Tuition Budget.
Renewal tenure teaching contracts were approved for Janelle Ator, Amy Berwick, Courtney Forbregd (10 day extended), Jeri Gustafson, Angela Iverson, Theresa McDonald, Darla Mogga, Jimie Lou Morris, Wendy Nickoloff, Brad Nielsen, Tiffany Nielsen, Christina Olson, Shelly Panasuk, Russell Pfeifer, David Solem, Jennesy Taberna, Lee Vandall, Pam Welch and Rhetta Wilson.
Non-tenure teaching contracts were approved for Milt Apple, Bill Carlisle, Kelly Evenson, Alyssa Hatlestad, Shelby Manning, Clayton Marchwick, Sara Schmidt, Elizabeth Standley and April Wills.
The board approved an offer for an elementary teaching contract to Sarah Helmuth for the 2025-2026 School Year.
A 2025-2026 technology systems coordinator contract was approved for Mike Olson.
A motion was approved to offer junior high/high school principal contract for 2025-2026 for Mike Olson, as was a motion to approve 2025-2026 curriculum director contract for Janessa Parenteau.
Chris Petersen made a motion to offer elementary principal contract for 2025-2026 for Janessa Parenteau. Lisa Steppler seconded motion. Motion carried unanimously.
The reconditioning of 60 football helmets was approved, as was a motion to post Policy 2165 and 2165F for early literacy. These policies set the groundwork for early literacy. Hiring a teacher will be slated for a future date.
