Trustees Vote To Not Reopen Negotiations
The Wolf Point School board has decided not to open teacher negotiations up again this fall after the Wolf Point Education Association made the suggestion to begin contract talks at a recent meeting.
At a board meeting held in late July, Patricia Toavs, president of the Wolf Point Education Association, said 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.
At the Thursday, Aug. 19, meeting, trustee Lawrence Hamilton Jr. made the motion to open negotiations. The motion died from lack of a second.
The current contract, which was agreed upon on Feb. 11, 2021, runs until July 1, 2022.
Board chair Linda L. Hansen noted that circumstances need to have changed in order for negotiations to be reopened.
Toavs said losing teachers is a change. “We want to start a conversation,” she added. Trustee Mark Zilkoski said that he’s willing to have a dialogue, but he is worried about the legal ramifications of opening up negotiations.
“I certainly feel you guys are underpaid,” Zilkoski said. “I don’t mind talking about it.” Toavs said it was just a suggestion and the decision was up to the board. “Our request is to open negotiations,” she said to trustees. “If you say yes, then it’s yes. If you say no, then it’s no. Either way, it’s up to the board.”
Hansen said that when negotiations do take place, the board should try to be more creative. She also mentioned a balance needs to be developed regarding the salaries of teachers and administrators.
Trustee Lanette Clark made a motion to follow superintendent Loverty Erickson’s recommendation to not reopen negotiations. Zilkoski seconded the motion which passed 4-1.
Toavs said she hopes that when negotiations do start for a new contract that board members take a more active role than they did in this past round.
During the meeting, trustees hired Brent Jackson as Northside paraprofessional, Kendra Hawk as Southside paraprofessional, Rhena Tumonong as teacher, Jan Paula Ragma as junior high teacher, Lance Chase as assistant custodian, Rebecca Jo Lovett as assistant custodian, Hannah Struttmann as assistant cross country coach, Cristina Moore as junior high cross country coach, Edwin Mohow as junior high assistant cross country coach, Marques White Horse as junior high head football coach, Greg Gourneau as junior high assistant football coach, Austyn Juve as junior high assistant football coach, Lynelle “Nellie” Garfield as high school cheer season two coach, Leslie Larson as National Honor Society advisor, Patricia Toavs as special education co-director, Joelle Page as 504 coordinator, Fern Follet as Northside paraprofessional, Grant Legare as Northside breakfast buddy, Beth Olsen as Northside breakfast buddy, Laura Dennis as Southside breakfast buddy, Ellen Sievers as Southside breakfast buddy and Amanda Campbell as high school pep club advisor.
Trustees accepted the resignation of Kayla Larson as Northside teacher.
The consulting contract for Redgrave Education was approved by trustees to be continued. Crystal Redgrave’s services include developing a K-3 grade Native American curriculum and providing one-one-one professional development to classroom teachers.
Curriculum director Sarah Chambers, teacher Sharon Kolstad, Northside principal Georgie Gourneau and teacher Patricia Payne all spoke in support of the work that Redgrave performs. Redgrave, a 1992 graduate of Wolf Point High School, has experience in Arizona, Minnesota and Montana. She has worked with Wolf Point’s schools for the past three years. She said her mission is to create a strong language culture and continue working on the curriculum.
