Lockwood
Lockwood, MT · Events
Eastern Progress
montanarightnow.com
NonStop Local Billings
Billings budget panel rejects superintendent pay raise plan
Billings, Montana — A Billings school budget committee declined to recommend a contract proposal that would have sharply raised Superintendent Erwin Garcia's pay Thursday, Nov. 12. The proposal would have raised Garcia's base salary from about $217,000 to $270,000. With another $20,000 in annual compensation, his pay would have reached $290,000 before other benefits. The plan also included keeping Garcia in the job through June 2030. Critics questioned the size of the increase and raised concerns about fairness to other employees and the district's spending priorities. In the written proposal, the board said keeping Garcia would provide stable leadership and help the district stay competitive when hiring administrators. One school employee said the proposal sent a message to staff. "I don't say that I love my job anymore. I don't say it because decisions like this make me feel like this district doesn't care very much about me, and it's really hard to love a place like that," said Beth Verlanic, secretary at Burlington Elementary School. A retired school employee said the debate looked familiar. "This is what happens. Failed levee, angry staff. Repeat, repeat, repeat. If this were a class, we'd be figuring out a different way to run
NonStop Local Billings
swxlocalsports.com
KULR8
Laurel water shutoff starts at 9 a.m. for private line break
Mayor Kris Vogele of Laurel announces an emergency water service shutdown starting at 9 a.m. due to a major break in a private water line west of town. Several properties outside city limits along Old Highway 10 are affected. The city cannot isolate the break, requiring a full shutdown to prevent ground instability. Property owners are responsible for repairs.