Wolf Point School Board Hires Principal, Coaches
The hiring of a new junior high principal and two head coaches highlighted the Wolf Point School Board’s business during its meeting on Monday, June 10.
Amanda Prongua was hired as Wolf Point’s new junior high principal. Wolf Point Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perkins said Prongua has four years of experience as a principal in Lodge Grass and Hysham.
“She’s an experienced principal,” Perkins said.
Trustees approved the hiring of Prongua on a 4-0 vote. Trustee Michael Turcotte abstained from voting.
Prongua replaces Dan Horsmon, who has taken over the school district’s director for curriculum and testing. During Horsmon’s report, he said, “I’m looking forward to the next steps. I’m excited for the challenge.”
Head coaches hired were Cody Larson for girls’ basketball and Maestro Martinez for wrestling.
Larson is a former athletic director and basketball coach in Wolf Point. During the past three years, his duties in Frazer have included serving as athletic director, girls’ basketball coach, cross-country coach, volleyball coach and track coach.
Martinez, a former high school wrestling standout, has been serving as an assistant coach for Wolf Point High School’s wrestling program.
Larson was also hired as a junior high/high school physical education instructor. In order for him to accept the positions, Larson needed to withdraw from the school board.
Trustees declared a vacancy on the board due to the resignation of Larson for district 4. By law, trustees have 60 days to appoint a new trustee. The school district will advertise for the trustee position for three weeks. The plan is to conduct interviews the week of July 8. Interested candidates should contact the school district office.
Resignations were accepted for high school social studies teacher Nelson Caday, junior high/high school attendance secretary Jenice Oleyte and assistant custodian Ronnie Davis.
During discussion about the superintendent’s salary, it was noted that a cost of living increase is already part of the superintendent’s contact. Trustees will research salary information of other superintendents. Perkins said he has never given a certain figure that he wants for a salary during his career, but he believes to let his work speak for itself.
“I am personally very happy with your leadership here,” board chair Roxanne Gourneau said.
Trustees approved the contracts for occupational therapist Nancy Braaten and the speech pathologist services from Rock Creek Teletherapy.
During a report, Northside principal Georgie Gourneau and dean of students Rain Turcotte told trustees how student referrals for discipline have decreased after incentives have been created to promote positive behavior. The plan is to continue by implementing incentives at the beginning of next school year.
High school principal Kim Hanks said 26 students attended the first day of summer school on Monday, June 10. School officials are reaching out to several more students who should be attending summer classes.