This year, the school district is in a much better place. As we approach summer, there aren't as many places to fill as last year.
“We have a fourth-grade position (teacher) applied for. She's an experienced teacher coming to us by way of Winnett. Before that, she was the UN Western Educator of the Year. She is hardworking and very student-centered. I am really excited about possibly having her here as a teacher.” However, she will need to be approved, so the Mountaineer cannot have that information confidentially, but it is really encouraging. There is still an opening for the 5th-grade teacher, which is the only position the school needs to fill for the coming year, which is better than so many other districts. We still have a teacher shortage in Montana.
"Teachers are supported in this community; we have a great example in the Pioneer Parent organization. Like they've really stepped up, helping and volunteering in the school. Always asking, ‘Do you need anything? Can we get you something?’ I want to tip my hat to those guys. You'll see that here. This week, in particular, whether it be Teacher Appreciation Week, we call it staff appreciation in Big Sandy so as not to be redundant. Still, I appreciate that because it's not just educators; it's janitors, parents, and the cooks that make a difference in our kids' lives.”
Staff at the Big Sandy School District: Shersteen Andreasen Business/Science, Karen Baumann Paraprofessional, Tim Bond k-12 Music, Derrick Brown Custodian, Linda Finke High School Special Ed, Twila Grant Paraprofessional, Jessie Jaramillo Art, Dianna Keane Counselor, Lauretta Labuda FT Assistant Cook, Renee Leader 2st grade teach, Bonnie Bauer 2nd grade, Rachel Baumgarn, Paraprofessional, randy Bowlen Custodian, Jessica Butler Assistant Cook, Melissa Gasvoda Assistant Cook, Lianna Heimbigner Head Cook, Suzanna Johnson Elementary Office Manager, Demrece Keller 4th grade, Ryne Labuda PE, Trinity Leeds 5th Grade, Kandi Marino Assistant Cook, Sheri Moore 3rd Grade, Marla Ray English, James Sant Math, Otto Schrock certified Therapy Dog, Charlie Sipler, Custodian/ Transportation, Layne Taylor Ag Ed, Wendy Taylor High School Office Manager, Samantha Weaver Kindergarten, Calista Worral 6th grade, Mary Merrill business Mgr/Clerk, Stephanie Overbay Title 1/K-12 Library, Traci Rodewald, Computers/ Testing Administrator, Dan Schrock Superintendent, Melanie Schwarzbach Science/ AD, Cheryl Strutz Lunch Coordinator/ Office Assistant, Tucker Taylor history, Amy Terry Elementary/ High School Special education, Heather Wolery Principal, Michael Wright Paraprofessional.
Dan Schrock, Superintendent, said, “I had one of those aha moments. I was out on the Missouri River breaks, and it was a beautiful, sunny afternoon. I felt well placed here. I'm honored and humbled to continue the work here and do what we are doing. I've got a great, great cast of characters around me that I appreciate.”
“Bus drivers are still in need. We have every school bus route covered except South East.” He would love to have a contract with someone for South East.
He appreciates Joe Jurenka; "he's been really helpful with some of our activities. The worst thing I ever have to say to a teacher or a class is, I'd love to put you on this trip. We just don't have drivers.". Melanie Schwarzbach, AD, said they would try to reschedule before forfeiting if they didn't have a bus driver. She doesn't believe there is any AD at our conference who wouldn't try to work with us. Driving to events by carloads is a liability issue that is not encouraged.
There is always a need for substitute teachers. “We appreciate our subs greatly. Life gets in the way for all of us, you know, you have sick children, you may be sick, there may be a death in the family, etc. We greatly appreciate the subs we have coming into our school. They've got a job to do. And our kids know that. They also know .they'll be held accountable if they decide to err, on the side of being disrespectful or not doing what they know they shouldn't be doing.”
Overall, the school district is in a good place.
