School board approves boilers; may pursue levy

Libby School Board members on Monday said it was difficult, but agreed they had no choice but to approve the $519,069 expense of replacing two boilers at Libby High School.

In making the motion for approval, Building Committee member Bruce Sickler said it is necessary.

“I don’t like it, but I don’t see any way around it. I recommend we go forward,” Sickler said.

Board member Les Nelson seconded the motion to approve the bid by Diamond Plumbing.

The entire meeting took on an aura of finances with the approval of the replacement of the two high school boilers, to the impending cut in funding, a change in plans for the Asa Wood building to declining enrollment and whether the district could hire staff to replace those who are retiring.

Superintendent K.W. Maki pointed out the district has secured a grant to lessen the burden of the boiler replacement, but it still must pay $127,599 of the more than half-million-dollar price tag in addition to the estimated $40,000 it has expended on architect’s and engineering costs.

Maki also stated the district is looking at about $250,000 less in funding next year because of declining enrollment. The district is compensated on average about $6,000 per student annually.

“When we graduate 120, and we only have about 80 coming up in kindergarten, that’s a big loss in funding,” Maki said. “It’s almost $250,000. There are just no ways to make it up.”

Maki said the district also now is backing away from its plan to raze the west wing of the former Asa Wood Elementary School. Explaining the change of course, Maki said the EPA will not demolish the parts of the building and therefore the onus of demolition falls upon the district.

“We’ve gotten estimates of about $200,000 to bring it down,” Maki said. “When we can’t afford to hire teachers, I don’t see us paying for the demolition.”

The board also agreed to put off the hiring of a district nurse ($33,257) a parent liaison ($23,094) and a wellness coordinator ($7,737) until it could further assess the budget.  Maki agreed to arrange a budget meeting so board members could meet to discuss expenses.

Libby Elementary School Principal Ron Goodman expressed a desire to see some sort of health official at LES because the duties of dispensing medications is quite cumbersome. 

“The number of meds that go out is quite staggering,” Goodman said. “The students with diabetes, asthma, etc. ... and we have a lot of children with allergies,” Goodman said.

Maki also discussed the possibility of going to voters to seek a levy. It is Maki’s contention the district has cut as far as it can and now must look for an additional revenue source.

“Where do we cut? I think if we present our issues to the public, so it can see, that we educate it about the cuts we’re making they may understand.”

District officials also recently honored those employees who have retired at the end of the school year. They include Ed and Judy Tabis, Ann Kerzman, Keith Ivers, Helena Cassidy and Kaide Dodson.