Community Input Requested For In-School Learning Safe Return Plan
The Wolf Point School board approved a Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan during its special meeting on Thursday, June 24.
The plan is available on the school’s website for comment from the public.
The Montana Office of Public Instruction received from the U.S. Department of Education, the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funds, authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act. The ARP-ESSER provides $382,019.236 for Montana schools to safely reopen and sustain safe operations.
The department required that school districts develop and make publicly available a Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan. The school district then must submit its plans to the state by Aug. 24.
The policy includes that mask-wearing is optional.
Community meetings are scheduled from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on July 13, and July 20, at Northside School in order to receive public comment on the school district’s evolving plans for a safe return to school and continuity services. During the visitors’ comment portion of the meeting, Patricia Toavs, president of the Wolf Point Education Association, asked how many teaching positions still needed to be filled and whether there are any applications for the position of Southside principal. She didn’t receive any information at the meeting.
Hired were Treyton Lilley as summer custodian worker, Sue Toavs as substitute para and substitute teacher and Wanda Kirn as temporary business assistant. The resignation of Robert “Jeff” Bledsaw as junior high/high school custodian.
The school district is sending a letter of support for Dr. Crystal Redgrave for an Assiniboine Language Teacher Program grant. Redgrave is a culture and language consultant.
Wolf Point Superintendent of Schools Loverty Erickson said the grant will provide training for five teachers and free curriculum.
“I’m very pleased this is coming forward as an opportunity for the district,” board chair Linda L. Hansen said.
Erickson discussed creating school board and school committees this fall. He feels the committees will increase staff and community input.
Board training will take place on July 22. Montana School Board Association training is scheduled for
Aug. 11.
