Trustees, Teachers Could Change Wolf Point’s Salary Schedule
There is a possibility that the Wolf Point Education Association and Wolf Point School board might start working this fall toward a new salary schedule.
Patricia Toavs, president of the Wolf Point Education Association, said to the school board during the meeting on Thursday, July 29, that trustees are aware that it’s becoming very difficult for many schools to find certified staff members.
“Our salary is lower than most in our area,” Toavs said. She noted that if Wolf Point increases its teaching base salary, it could result in better success attracting and maintaining teachers for the future.
Toavs suggested to open negotiations as soon as possible. Under the contract, the board can only make the decision to open negotiations.
On Thursday, Toavs presented a letter to urge trustees to make that move.
In January, the Wolf Point Education Association and Wolf Point School board agreed to a two-year contract. The agreement consisted of a 2 percent pay raise for the 20202021 school year and a 1.5 percent pay raise for the 2021-2022 school year.
Prior to reaching the agreement, the school board was offering a salary increase of 3 percent total for a two-year period. The Wolf Point Education Association was asking for a 3 percent raise for each of the two years.
Also during Thursday’s meeting, trustees approved the hiring of Eric Peterson as activities director on a 4-2 vote. Trustees Linda Hansen and Lanette Clark voted against the motion.
Trustee Corey Reum said that Peterson has been teaching in Wolf Point for close to 20 years and seems to be committed to doing a good job as activities director.
Superintendent Loverty Erickson said the committee that recommended Peterson included a current coach, a former coach and an administrator.
“The protocol was right,” Erickson said.
Other hires included Edwin
Board Meeting
Mowoh as physical education teacher, Ismael Big Beaver as custodian, Wayne Eagle Boy as custodian, Leslie Larson as food pantry coordinator, Gregory Moniz as temporary remote IT support, Shelby Martell for special education, Janet Mowoh as special education paraprofessional, Elizabeth Strader as junior high/high school head custodian, Jhett Tiernan as assistant cook, Linda Warmbrod as district executive assistant, Dan Horsmon as high school assistant volleyball coach and Janaeya Sutherland as high school assistant volleyball coach.
Trustee Lawrence Hamilton Jr. asked how many teaching positions were still open. Erickson said about one to three positions at each school. “I’m just worried because teachers will be put in a bind if we don’t have someone soon,” Hamilton said.
Hansen explained the same challenges occur every year as far as hiring teachers.
Trustees agreed to no longer hire individuals who are not listed on the agenda unless it’s an emergency situation.
The board review new policies from the Montana School Board Association.
Based on Erickson’s recommendation, the board approved salary increases on the non-union classified pay scale.
A contract was approved with Denton O’Connor for cleaning services.
