Martinsdale
Martinsdale, MT · Education
NBCMontana
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
406mtsports.com
swxlocalsports.com
swxlocalsports.com
Huntley Project stays unbeaten, downs Jefferson to advance to Class B semis
WORDEN, Mont. -- Undefeated Huntley Project hosted Jefferson in the Class B Quarterfinals on Friday night, blowing past the Panthers 55-8 to advance to the semifinals. In the first quarter, the Red Devils wasted no time as Huntly Harp takes the run straight up the middle for the touchdown to open the scoring.
swxlocalsports.com
bitterrootstar.com
Hamilton to face Billings Central in state quarterfinals
The Hamilton football team, ranked #4 in the final 406 MT Sports Class A football poll, begins its postseason this week as it hosts #5 Billings Central in Hamilton at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, in a Class A state quarterfinal game. Hamilton is 7-1 on the season and...
montanarightnow.com
Driver behavior, crossing guard shortages create challenges for student safety in Billings
BILLINGS, Mont. — For children walking to school, crossing the street can be one of the most dangerous parts of their day. At Burlington Elementary in Billings, parents and school staff say they’re seeing firsthand the challenges of keeping students safe around busy streets and they’re taking extra steps to get drivers to slow down and pay attention.
Montana Free Press
NonStop Local Billings
Driver behavior, crossing guard shortages create challenges for student safety in Billings
BILLINGS, Mont. — For children walking to school, crossing the street can be one of the most dangerous parts of their day. At Burlington Elementary in Billings, parents and school staff say they’re seeing firsthand the challenges of keeping students safe around busy streets and they’re taking extra steps to get drivers to slow down and pay attention. Karen Merchant sees those risks every morning. Merchant came out of retirement this school year to become a crossing guard at Burlington Elementary after bringing her grandchildren to school. She says drivers distracted by their phones, along with large trucks traveling through the area, make it especially important to watch out for students. “These kids don’t see the cars. I see the cars. I watch for the cars,” Merchant said. “And these are little kids. They need help.” But helping students cross safely can put crossing guards themselves at risk. Burlington Elementary Principal Leah Yasenak says the school’s previous crossing guard, Mr. Joseph, came close to being hit by vehicles multiple times last year. “Like we tell our students, safety first. We want our community to do that too, to be safe first,” Yasenak said. The school’s PTA is also working to
swxlocalsports.com
Bitter rivals Laurel, Billings Central prepare for first round playoff matchup
BILLINGS, Mont. -- Playoff high school football continues across the state on Friday. In Billings, the first round of the Class A playoffs renews one of the Treasure State's most fierce rivalries as Laurel meets Billings Central at Rocky Mountain College. "We don't like them in anything, so definitely we're...