School board member resigns; battling cancer

Longtime Columbia Falls school board member Scott Emmerich resigned from the board Monday evening after he announced he has cancer. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in January. He said he starts an increased regimen of chemotherapy treatment next week.

“I’m turning in a letter of resignation knowing full well that we have somebody, an outstanding member who can step right into my shoes, if the board would so appoint such a person,” Emmerich said.

Emmerich was referring to longtime board member Barb Riley, who lost her seat in the election last week to challenger EJ Hoerner.

Emmerich said it was “best for the board” to have someone who could give 100 percent. He has one year left in his term. He has been on the board for seven years. His replacement will serve for one year and then the seat will be up for election next spring.

According to school board policy, 72 hours have to pass after the clerk receives the resignation letter. Then the board has 60 days to appoint a new member of the board, and has to start by asking past board members.

The board scheduled a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. May 23 to appoint the new board member. A retirement reception at the work session is also scheduled for May 23 at 6 p.m.

“I hate to see you go,” Superintendent Steve Bradshaw said. But, he said he was surprised that Emmerich had stayed on as long as he did considering he had been fighting cancer quietly for four months.

Emmerich has a public journal about his journey on CaringBridge.org.

The board swore in EJ Hoerner, Larry Wilson and Gail Pauley to serve as trustees for the next three years.

In other school board news:

• The Montana Department of Corrections requested to rent the Canyon Elementary School for officer training and monthly and weekly check-ins by people on probation or parole. The rental agreement, charging $50 per day, was waiting approval by the Canyon School committee. Board member Dean Chisholm wasn’t sure the board should pursue the agreement longterm because they would enter an extensive legal contract with the state. Committee member Dave Wick said he didn’t think the agreement would pass the committee because of the potential conflict between parolees and children at the school.

• Jill Rocksund was voted to board chair. Dean Chisholm was voted to vice chair. Zuffelato was reappointed as district clerk.

• The high school Jazz Cafe is ending with The Columbians and Jazz Factory performing May 13 at 7 p.m. at Marantette Park.

• Board approved hiring Kate Daniels as head Special Olympics coach, and Chris Finberg as physical education teacher at junior high and high school and head boys basketball coach.

• Board approved resignations of Jessie Schaeffer as junior class advisor and Alia Hanson as National Honor Society advisor.

• Board approved the retirements of Sydney Ballard and Cheree Deisenroth.