News – Sheridan Media
In the past year and a half, SCSD#3 School initiated the Six Houses – One Claw House System. This system has recently sparked controversy. Some parents feel the system is a bad idea, and some students don’t like it as well. Due in part to the House System, several parents have expressed their intent to remove their student after the semester ends. However, many students and staff at the school like the idea.
On December 17, the SCSD#3 Board held a listening session for parents and community members to learn more about what the house system does, and express their concerns about it. Nearly 50 people attended the session, and many spoke out with their concerns.
There was a 30-minute slide presentation about the House System by Jonathan Broersma, 5th grade teacher; Jennifer Betz, assistant principal and Cameron Spade, K-12 PE.
Broersma explained the house system.
Spade added about what the house system does in Clearmont.
He also said that he wanted to empathize the multi-age in the houses, older students can mentor the younger students, and students who come into the 7th grade already have peers and mentors.
Betz talked about the profile of a graduate, and how the house system fits in with that.
After their presentation, the floor was opened up to parents, students and community members.
Some parents, and some students felt that the House system was overshadowing the education aspect of the school. Mayor Chris Shock questioned why the house system was mandatory, and would like to see it voluntary.
Parent Karen Carvahlo felt that the parents should have more involvement in the house system, and she felt
Several students talked about how beneficial the house system was to them. Here are two of those students.
One was Kason Monroe, who came to Clearmont School from Buffalo.
Another one was Shelby Northup.
Most of the concerns centered on the fact that the house system was mandatory, that it took time away from academics, and that the parents feel they are left in the dark about it.
Jake Underwood, community member, was concerned about the number of students who were being withdrawn from the school, and it led to this exchange between him and Board Trustee Kelly Little.
Superintendent Chase Christensen added,
The board took no action on the comments and questions at the meeting but will continue to discuss the issue. They will hold a special board meeting and an executive session on Dec. 21 at 1 p.m.
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Last modified: December 20, 2025