Future uncertain for Sylvanite School

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Teacher Susan Kretzschmar next week will prepare for the first day of school.

Whether she has students remains to be seen.

Kretzschmar teaches at the Sylvanite School, one of the oldest schools in Montana. Its lone student from last year graduated in May.

No one as of Wednesday had enrolled for the fall, which means the 109-year-old, one-room school faces closing for good. If just one student enrolls for the first day of school on Aug. 21, it would remain open.

"It sure would be a shame (for it to close)," Kretzschmar said. "We are one room, but that doesn't mean we have that one-room mentality. We are 21st Century."

Because Sylvanite is a public school open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade, parents outside the district would not have to pay tuition to send their student there. They would have to transport them, however.

"There's a possibility of two students registering this week," said John Brown, chairman for the Sylvanite school board. "They are from Eureka and moving here."

Several Sylvanite graduates have gone on to be valedictorians and salutatorians for Troy High School, Brown said.

In addition, there are three, 3- and 4-year-olds living in the district that would be ready for school in a year or two.

"We're hoping to keep the school open so they can attend," Brown said. "It's a shame to close the school because it's been here such a long time and it has a proven track record."

Kretzschmar can think of several reasons for a parent to send a child to Sylvanite, which is on Yaak River Road 17 miles southwest of Yaak.

"Because the size of the classroom is so small, a student cannot hide in my classroom," she said. "They cannot fluff off. I am right on them all the time."

The only teacher at Sylvanite for the past five years, Kretzschmar has had up to 18 students at time. Last year eighth-grader Kyle Breithaupt was the only student. Breithaupt's parents drove 120 miles daily to get him to and from school.

Kretzschmar likes to think the drive was well worth it.

"Our technology is second to none," she said. "We have nine computers for students, so if I have a class of nine or less, each gets his own computer."

Kretzschmar also attempts to improve students' study habits.

"I have taken some really poor students and brought them up to Bs and As by teaching them how to study," she said. "I know every student really well. I know their weaknesses and their strengths."

"I also get to see the parents every day so kids don't have the opportunity to slide," Kretzschmar continued. "I can remind the parents when there's a test coming up or if they have to do a research report. That communication is so valuable."

Joleen Calvi was pleased with the education her son, Taylor Countryman, received at Sylvanite. A junior at Troy High School, Taylor attended from kindergarten through eighth grade.

"It wasn't lacking in any way," said Calvi, who over the years served as the school's art teacher, substitute teacher, janitor and a school board member. "The teacher, Susan Kretzschmar, has the ability to get them ready for high school. She's a superb teacher."

Even if no one enrolls prior to the first day, the doors will be open on Aug. 21, Brown said.

The school would then become non-operational. It can remain that way for three years.

"Then it becomes very financially difficult (to reopen)," Brown said.

It costs roughly $55,000 a year to operate the school.

During the third year without students, assets will be assigned to a neighboring school district. The building could become a gift to the community.

Anyone interested in enrolling a student should call the school at 295-5987.