Sylvanite to remain open for 2006-2007 school year

By GWEN ALBERS Western News Reporter

Classes are in session at Sylvanite School.

A former Libby couple who recently moved to Yaak from Raton, N.M, enrolled their three daughters and saved one of Montana's oldest schools from closing. As of two weeks ago, the 109-year-old, one-room school faced going non-operational because it had no students.

"We're pleased we get to offer our expertise in teaching to three new students," said John Brown, chairman of the Sylanite School Board.

"I think it's wonderful," added board member Mary Ellen Solem. "Down the road we do have some younger kids who will be eligible to attend school, possibly by next year."

Sylvanite's only student from last year - an eighth-grader - graduated in May. Only one student was needed on the first day of school on Aug. 21 for Sylvanite to remain open.

The law would have allowed the school to remain non-operational for three years; once schools takes on that status, they tend to close. During the third year without students, assets would have been assigned to a neighboring school district.

The building on Yaak River Road 17 miles southwest of Yaak could have become a gift to the community.

Jeff and Jean Holder will drive 50 miles round-trip twice daily to get their daughters to Sylvanite School. Seventh-grader Jolee, fourth-grader Jordan, and first-grader Keeli Ann will be instructed by teacher Susan Kretzschmar.

It was Jeff Holder's sister, Shellie DeLeo of Troy, who told the couple about Sylvanite's need for students.

"I knew of their dilemma and we were talking about it," said DeLeo, a former clerk at the Sylvanite School. "I told them about Susan (Kretzschmar), the teacher, and how great I thought she was."

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.

DeLeo, a clerk with the county treasurer's office, said her nieces were excited about going to the school.

"They think it's really great," she said. "The three girls are very close."

Folks around Sylvanite also are pleased.

"This is sort of a dream come true for the school," added Nancy Sutton, office manager for the Lincoln County superintendent of schools.

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

The only teacher at Sylvanite for the past five years, Kretzschmar has had up to 18 students at a 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.