Schools

OPI receives funds for School districts hit cap on donation tax credits

school lunch, breakfast News from Alex Sakariassen Montana Free Press

From the office of the Montana Office of Public Instruction

HELENA — State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide assistance funds to help Montana overcome school nutrition supply chain challenges. This adds to the existing flexibilities that the Superintendent already requested through Federal waivers for school meals for Montana students. Montana will receive a total of $5,159,810 from USDA in funding relief for our schools in three flexible opportunities:

Supply Chain Assistance funds are provided to districts to purchase foods.

Additional USDA Foods to be available for districts to order.

Local foods through State agreements with local producers and/or processers.

“The chain supply crisis is a concern for all, especially our Montana schools,” Superintendent Elsie Arntzen expressed. “However, here’s an opportunity for local schools to use this funding to ensure our students are consistently receiving the nutrition needed to prioritize learning. I am particularly pleased with the focus through local farm-to-school foods to showcase our great Montana producers.”

Of the $5,159,810 funding from the USDA, Montana will receive a total of $3,639,90 for school districts to purchase unprocessed and minimally processed domestic food such as fresh fruit, milk, cheese, frozen vegetables, and ground meat. Montana Office of Public Instruction School Nutrition staff will allocate the funds to districts based on student enrollment with a minimum amount of $5,000 per district. An additional $791,922 entitlement will be available in additional USDA Food products. The third funding flexibly of $727,981 will be used by the OPI to purchase local products to aid in building a competitive, sustainable local food chain.

HELENA — A program offering a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations to Montana public schools reached its $1 million limit within minutes of launching Monday, with nine school districts claiming credits on behalf of 23 individual donors.

The tax credits were offered to individuals and businesses that donated to specific public school districts through the Innovative Education Program, a source of supplemental funding for a variety of district-based initiatives. The Montana Legislature passed a law last spring raising the per-donor limit on the credits from $150 to $200,000 and capping the total amount of the credits to $1 million for tax year 2022. The law, House Bill 279, applied the same increase and aggregate limit to donations made toward scholarships for private school students.

The Department of Revenue began accepting claims for both tax credits at 8 a.m. Monday. In an emailed response to questions, DOR Communications Director Jason Slead told Montana Free Press the $1 million limit for public school donations was reached at 8:05 a.m. Slead said the tax credits were claimed for a total of 23 donations to nine public school recipients: Big Sky School District, Bonner Elementary, Great Falls Elementary, Kalispell Elementary, Livingston Elementary, Shepard Elementary, Somers Elementary, Whitefish Elementary, and Montana City Elementary in Clancy.

As of Monday afternoon, $157,000 in credits had been claimed for seven separate donations to private school scholarship organizations. According to Slead, the organizations approved for those donations are ACE Scholarships Montana, Big Sky Scholarships, the Missoula Catholic Schools Foundation, St. Matthew’s Catholic School in Kalispell and Holy Spirit Catholic School in Great Falls.

With DOR’s tax credit portal operating on a first-come, first-served basis, some public school districts anticipated intense competition for the credits when the portal launched Jan. 3. Kalispell Public Schools added a page to its website dedicated to helping prospective donors seize the opportunity, noting that “time is critical” and “these tax credits will be gone in less than an hour.” Superintendent Micah Hill said Monday that the district had five staff entering claims on the portal simultaneously at 8 a.m. and was able to submit only four donations for a total of $80,000.

“It was over almost before it started,” Hill said, adding that his district had checks from 13 other donors that it will have to return as it was unable to submit the tax credit claims.

Karen Ogden, communications director for the Helena Public Schools, told MTFP her district reached out to potential donors individually ahead of the launch date and publicized information on its website. Staff attempted to submit a

see page 33

claim for one donation “right at the stroke of eight,” Ogden said, but the limit had already been reached.

“If they are still interested in donating without the tax advantage, we would certainly welcome that,” Ogden said. “However, they weren’t able to take advantage of that this morning.”

Craig VanNice, chief financial officer and district clerk for Billings Public Schools, said his district had been working closely throughout the fall with one donor who intended to contribute “north of $20,000.” The district had the check in hand, VanNice said, and attempted to submit the tax credit claim as soon as the portal went live, only to receive a notification that the available credits had been “completely exhausted.”

“It’s a disappointment for sure,” VanNice said. “Obviously the school district will be missing out on this one larger donation that we were aware of. But, you know, I think maybe some of the frustration stems from the fact that it really was who could get the clicks in the fastest.”

VanNice added that Billings Public Schools will be keeping the situation in mind when it prepares to submit tax credit claims next year, when the statewide limit increases to $2 million.

Denise Williams, executive director of the Montana Association of School Business Officials, was aware Monday that many of her organization’s members were poised and ready for this morning’s launch. And while only nine districts succeeded in submitting tax credit claims for donors, Williams said the speed at which the $1 million limit was reached indicates there’s “a lot of enthusiasm for supporting public schools.”

“I’m hoping that those who weren’t able to get in on the dollar-for-dollar tax credit may consider making donations to their school districts anyway,” she said, noting that such donations may still qualify as charitable contributions with tax benefits.

vj

Local named to dean’s list at Crown University

POLSON — Elisabeth Bjorge, daughter of Marvin and Laura Bjorge of Polson, received a letter of congratulations for her academic success and placement on the Dean’s list of Crown University where she is a sophomore studying business administration as her major and entrepreneurship as a minor.

From MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — A new study from a Montana State University researcher and his colleagues provides evidence that the labor market tightened for the nursing workforce throughout the first 15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period marked by falling employment and rising wages across the industry.

The paper, “Nurse Employment During the First 15 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” was published today in the January issue of the journal Health Affairs. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Current Population Survey, which is administered monthly by the U.S. Census Bureau, the study identified and described the immediate economic impact of the pandemic on registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants across the U.S. from April 2020 through June 2021.

“There has been so much written about the pandemic’s impacts on nurses, but this is the first analysis of the economic impacts using national data,” said Peter Buerhaus, the paper’s lead author, a professor in MSU’s Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing and director of the MSU Center for Interdisciplinary Health Workforce Studies.

Buerhaus’s co-authors include Douglas Staiger at Dartmouth College; David Auerbach, external adjunct faculty at MSU; Max Yates, a recent MSU graduate; and Karen Donelan of Brandeis University.

The researchers wrote that the COVID-19 pandemic has had dramatic impacts on health care delivery organizations and the nurse workforce they employ. Although the research team focused on the nursing workforce, their results also shed light on overall employment in major sectors of health care delivery. They found that overall employment throughout health care delivery systems – including hospitals, outpatient facilities, home health care agencies, physician offices and nursing homes – experienced an “unprecedented” decline after the COVID-19 virus was identified and began spreading throughout the country. But as employment gradually resumed in most settings, the health care labor market shifted. Overall employment in hospitals, home health and physician offices had nearly bounced back to pre-pandemic levels by June 2021 with two exceptions: Employment in outpatient facilities not only bounced back but exceeded pre-pandemic levels by Oct. 2020, and nursing home employment continued a steady decline over the study period.

For nurses specifically, the researchers found that in the early months of the pandemic, unemployment shot up in hospitals, physician offices, home health care and outpatient clinics as patients canceled appointments and these organizations greatly reduced their operations. Between the first and third quarters of 2020, unemployment rates peaked. At their highest, approximately an additional 100,000 registered nurses, 25,000 licensed practical nurses and 90,000 nursing assistants were unemployed compared to pre-pandemic numbers.

The authors noted that unemployment has rarely been a problem for nurses in health care. For example, over the past several decades, the unemployment rate for RNs has rarely exceeded 1%.

“These findings are especially striking regarding the total supply of registered nurses,” Auerbach said. “We have gotten used to the workforce growing year after year - yet these data suggest we may be experiencing a plateau right now. That would have huge implications for delivery of health care.”

Auerbach noted that nursing unemployment during the first 15 months of the pandemic varied by settings, with increases in unemployment higher in non-hospital settings.

In addition, the researchers found that the pandemic seems to have positively affected nurses’ earnings. After a decade of virtually no real wage growth, wage increases during the first five quarters of the pandemic were 9.5% for licensed practical nurses, 5.7% for nursing assistants and 2% for registered nurses. Wage increases were highest in hospital settings and also higher among the lowest-paid registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants.

“It’s important to note regional and state variation in these effects as the pandemic flares locally and regionally in this time period,” Donelan said.

Looking ahead, the researchers plan to continue analyzing monthly data on the nurse workforce through 2021. The team also plans to make new projections of the supply of the registered nursing workforce through 2030, taking into account two factors that could greatly impact the registered nursing workforce in coming years: interest in nursing as a career and retirement plans of older nurses.

“Regarding entry into the nursing workforce, it is unclear whether the pandemic will lead to increased or decreased interest,” Buerhaus said. “With regard to exit from the workforce, an estimated 660,000 baby boom nurses are still working during the pandemic, the vast majority of whom are expected to retire by 2030.”

The exit and entry questions bear careful watching, Buerhaus added.

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SURGERY TECHNOLOGIST Would you like to join a team of dedicated health care professionals in a patient-focused environment where you can apply your skills, training, and experience to improve the health of our patients? St. Luke Community Healthcare is accepting applications for a full time Surgical Technologist for the day shift with on call hours. The ideal candidate will have graduated from an accredited surgical technologist program or have at least two years’ experience and the ability to independently scrub on multiple surgical services. Must possess effective customer service skills and must be dependable. Applications available at www.stlukehealthcare.org. For additional information call Kim at 528-5226.

FOSTER CARE SOCIAL WORKER TRAINEE (1 OR MORE POSITIONS) DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

The successful applicant must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and/or Psychology, or currently attending college working towards obtaining BSW or BA in Psychology, with a minimum of 5-8 months’ actual work experience in the Child Welfare Service field. Must be able to type neat professional reports, letters and use various text-based computer programs including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Publisher, MS Excel, Adobe Acrobat and other PDF documents for storage and transfer of information. Must pass a background investigation if hired. Must have never been convicted of or pled guilty to a felony crime of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual offense or a crime of violence. Must not be involved with any child or social service protection agency as a client, no alcohol or drug abuse or domestic violence charges within the past five (5) years. Must not have resigned to avoid disciplinary actions or have dismissed from employment within the past three (3) years. Must possess a valid Montana driver’s license. The successful applicant will participate in on-call duties on a rotating schedule. This position is a mandatory reporter. This position is subject to a background check in accordance with Public Law 101-630. Will maintain and participate in other duties as assigned. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of academic transcripts/training certificates, a copy of current valid driver’s license and proof of insurance and a proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. This position

is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6)

months probationary period. Salary range: $18.28 to $21.02 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Jan. 20th, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. Surgical EVS Aide

St Luke Community Healthcare is seeking a part-time Environmental Services/Central Processing Aide to work from 3 pm – 7 pm Monday through Friday (hours could vary) in our Surgery Department. Surgical environmental aide experience would be helpful as well as central processing skills. Ideal candidate must be able to take direction, be self motivated, be dependable and be a fast learner. Applications are available at Polson Job Service, St Luke or www.stlukehealthnet.org. Please call 406-528-5287 for questions.

FOSTER CARE WORKER - 1 OR MORE POSITIONS - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology or related field with six (6) months’ work experience with children/ youth, at risk families CPS, Foster Care or Early Childhood Services. Must pass a background investigation if hired. Must have never been convicted of or plead guilty to a felony crime of domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, sexual offense or a crime of violence. Must not have any involvement with any child or social service protection agency as a client, no alcohol or drug abuse or domestic violence charges within the past five (5) years. Must not have resigned to avoid disciplinary actions or have been dismissed from employment within the past three (3) years. Must possess a valid Montana driver’s license. Successful applicant will be on-call with other staff on a rotating schedule. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of academic transcripts/training certificates, a copy of current valid driver’s license and proof of insurance and a proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) with-

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in the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Salary range: $21.00 to $24.13 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1043. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www. csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Jan. 20th, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Due to expansion, Enviro-Tire is hiring for 2 CDL drivers. Both positions are open immediately. No tire loading, drop and hook only. CDL Class A truck driver with doubles endorsement for Montana, Idaho and Washington day runs. Home every night. Work site is in Lonepine, Mt. Year-round, full-time position. Pay mid-$20s per hour for experienced, qualified drivers. Mandatory DOT drug testing. Vacation & holiday pay. Office phone and fax (406) 755-7716, enviro-tire@montanasky.com

SECOND CIRCLE LODGE SHIFT WORKER (1 OR MORE POSITIONS) DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT The successful applicant must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED.

see page 35

Help Wanted

cont’d from pg. 34

Preferred AA Degree in Social Work or related field, or working on an AA degree verifying active satisfactory progress on a quarterly basis to the House Manager. Must be 21 years of age or at least 19 years old and attending college full-time with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Must have a cell phone or landline to be contacted. Past charges for child abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse will be investigated through the background and suitability determination process. Must not be found guilty of two or more misdemeanor offenses under federal, state or tribal law, involving crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, crimes against persons or children. Must not have a felony offense. Will be required to pass a criminal background and suitability check per PL 101-630 Indian Child and family violence protection act. Will be required to report to supervisor in the event of any civil or criminal charges. No misdemeanor convictions in the past year, with the exception of traffic offenses. Traffic offenses cannot exceed three within the last two (2) years. Must not be subject of current criminal investigation, which would include indictments. Must not have had a conviction of driving under the influence of substances or a per se within the last three (3) years. Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance and be eligible for a chauffeur’s license within 90 days of hire and verification of liability insurance. Will be required to participate in annual driver’s license checks and insurance verifications. This position is subject to a background check in accordance with Public Law 101-630, 25 USC Section 3201 and Public Law 101-647, 42 USC, Section 13031. The background check also includes child protective service checks and driving records checks. Position may be required to respond to situations of child abuse and neglect acting in the capacity of a CPS worker, as needed and in the absence of other staff. Will maintain and participate in on-call duties as assigned. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of academic transcript or proof of college enrollment, a copy of current driver’s license and proof of liability insurance, a proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming Veteran’s Preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This position is a

Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month

probationary period. Salary is $13.29 to $15.28 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will

be Thursday, January 27th, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

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William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC Attorneys at Law 324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864 Telephone: (406) 676-4470 bill@fgwilliamslaw.com Attorneys for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KRISTINE S. MEILI, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-21-89 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed Estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred as creditors of the decedent. A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, must either be mailed to PEGGY ROWE, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC, 324 Main SW, Ronan, MT 59864, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 27th day of December, 2021.

/s/ Peggy Rowe

PEGGY ROWE

Personal Representative

January, 5, 12 and 19, 2022 MNAXLP

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Montana 20th Judicial District Court, Lake County

In the matter of the Name Change of Daniel Edward Mitchke; Daniel Edward Mitchke, Petitioner.

Cause No: DV-21-226 Dept. No. 2002

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Daniel Edward Mitchke to Daniel Leon. The hearing will be on Feb. 3, 2022, at 10:00 am. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Lake County. Dated: December 14, 2021.

Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court

By Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk of Court

Dec. 29, 2021, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 2022 MNAXLP

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