Frontier Board Discusses In-Person Attendance
The Frontier School board met Tuesday, Jan. 12, with a focus on opening the school and procuring resources to operate with a more present student body. They began the meeting with a review of Indian Policy and Procedures to communicate with members of the Native American community. Information about policy changes will now be disseminated 48 hours in advance and in monthly newsletters.
Additionally, the Fort Peck Tribes requested that Frontier correspond more in email to reduce face-to-face interactions. Frontier will not only be reaching out to the Tribes electronically, they’re also prepared to begin sending out surveys to parents in order to gain more feedback in their attempt to facilitate more students in the school, as well as those who opt to learn from home.
The board had two new hires: Trinity Whitmus, who was approved as a substitute teacher, and Andrea Sansaver, as assistant cook, both pending satisfactory background checks. These hires are intended to lighten the burden on the rest of the staff, which was a focus of the last school board meeting.
After reviewing a letter from the teacher’s union to negotiate salary agreements for certified staff, the board shifted their focus to the school library. The Prairie View Curriculum Consortium will now provide library services to Frontier since the school lacks the students needed for their own certification. While operating under PVCC, Rebecca Houg will receive an education grant to pursue her work in the library once students return.
Under new business, the board agreed to allow students from grades 5-8 to return to regular school hours. Other grades will continue to attend at their current schedule, but middle school students will have the option starting on Tuesday, Jan. 19, with in-person learning or continue distance learning. However, those who opt into distance learning will need to meet curriculum standards to continue attending from home.
The meeting went into executive session and ended with a report by the principal and superintendent before adjourning. The next meeting will take place on Feb. 11.
