Board Approves MOU To Increase Some Salaries
The Wolf Point School Board approved a memorandum of understanding to help with the recruitment and retainment of teachers during its meeting on Monday, Aug. 12.
The agreement is for a one-time salary placement at step four of the salary schedule for newly hired certified staff and returning certified staff at lower steps for recruitment purposes.
Wolf Point Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perkins said the current base salary for teachers is about $36,000.
“You aren’t going to get teachers,” Perkins told trustees about that salary amount and the state teaching shortage. “They are so short, but you want to compete a little.”
With the increase through the MOU, the base salary would increase to about $42,500.
Perkins said that such a plan isn’t new to the school district because it has been done before in Wolf Point. He noted the MOU is only for one year because teaching contract negotiations will occur this upcoming year.
Also during the meeting, trustees agreed to set lunch prices at $5 for lunch and $3 for breakfast for adults.
Trustees approved an independent contract with Redgrave Education for the 2024-2025 school year. Trustees also approved an agreement with Felt Martin for legal service.
During supervisor reports, facilities director Shane Reed talked about the busy summer by his staff members. “We bit off a lot this year,” Reed said.
Reed explained the Northside and Southside maintenance crews worked together first at Northside and then at Southside. He said that Northside had more work done than any other school in the district.
“That school looks 1,000 percent better,” Perkins added.
Reed mentioned how he likes the Epoxy floors in the high school art and science rooms, and that he feels similar rooms could use such flooring in the future.
Reed commended Perkins for urging the facilities’ workers to raise their expectations in order to get more accomplished.
Southside Principal Tara Thomas reported that she is pleased that the school has enough teachers and possibly enough paraprofessionals.
“It’s going to be a good year,” Thomas said.
Northside Principal Georgie Gourneau also was optimistic about the new year but feels the school could use some more paraprofessionals.
Junior high principal Amanda Prongua and high school principal Kim Hanks also provided positive messages.
