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Townsend School Board Update
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter

Townsend School Board Update

Rachael Brug

Staff Reporter

Townsend School District trustees heard updates on student achievements, transportation challenges, and facility needs during the April 14 school board meeting, while approving a slate of spring contracts and staffing actions.

Board Chair Jason Noyes opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and a reminder that public comment is welcome, but must respect individual privacy. No public comment was offered at the start of the meeting.

The Parent-Teacher Association reported progress on elementary school safety and family engagement. PTA representative Jocelyn Cahill said the PTA created a handout and video promoting safer drop-off procedures at the elementary school and plans to share the materials on ClassDojo and Facebook. Cahill said morning monitoring has shown improvement as families adjust routines.

The PTA also worked with Superintendent Brad Racht on posting “no cell phone use” signage for locker rooms, assisted with Kindergarten Roundup, and has volunteers helping in the elementary lunchroom. Cahill said the PTA is planning activities for Teacher Appreciation Week, May 4–7, and recently wrapped up Coin Wars, with second grade and seventh grade winning their divisions.

Cahill also shared parent feedback on elementary concerts. A PTA survey drew about 200 responses. Parents cited challenges with evening events for younger children, visibility and crowding issues, and the difficulty for working parents to attend daytime performances. Most respondents did support a move to daytime concerts. Cahill said a consistent theme was that any change should be announced well in advance and implemented at the start of a school year.

Transportation remained a key topic after another bus breakdown over the weekend. Bulldog Bus Lines representative Jeramy Rice told trustees the district is getting buses running daily—“sometimes three in a day”—and said the latest issue involved overheating on a return trip from Columbus for track. Rice said the bus was secured safely at Columbus High School, retrieved the next day, and is scheduled for repairs. Trustees thanked Rice and Columbus staff for helping ensure students returned home safely.

Trustees also recognized student accomplishments, including highlights from FFA and career and technical education programs. Student presenter Cheyenne shared convention-related updates, including five state degree recipients—described as a Broadwater County record—and Aiden Kidder’s Star Placement award. The chapter also received second place from the Montana Department of Agriculture in the “Building Communities” category. Trustees also heard updates on FCCLA and SkillsUSA results, Academic Olympics success, and an undefeated Esports season that ended with a state championship.

Superintendent Brad Racht reported total district enrollment at 1,081 students and said Kindergarten Roundup distributed 67 kindergarten packets and scheduled 57 screening appointments. Racht also noted strong middle school testing gains and shared honor roll figures, including 23 students earning 4.0 GPAs.

Facility needs included ongoing issues with the 1963 gym sound system. Nancy Marks said an assessment estimated upgrades at $17,030. Marks said $15,000 in Pepsi funding is available and the district is applying to the Broadwater County Trust for the remaining amount, with electrical work still to be determined. Racht also reported an emergency lighting system failure estimated at about $23,000, roof damage from a windstorm with an insurance claim filed, and flagpole damage.

Trustees also noted a recent visit from U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehy, who met with military families and spoke with students about space programs, including NASA’s Artemis mission.

In action items, trustees approved the certified collective bargaining agreement, the summer food program at Heritage Park, a bus contract with Bulldog Bus Lines, FCCLA national conference travel for Aiden Thompson, an out-of-district attendance agreement, a three-year superintendent contract for Racht, and volunteer approval for Daniel Truesdale. Trustees also approved multiple coaching hires, 21st Century program staffing, and contract renewals, with one contract not renewed.

The board’s next steps include pursuing funding for facility upgrades ahead of the next school year and continuing to address transportation reliability as spring activities ramp up.