Board Hires New Southside Principal
Brandi Burshia was hired as the new principal for Southside Elementary School during the Wolf Point School Board meeting held on Wednesday, June 4.
Burshia said at the meeting, “I’m really forward to working with everybody. I’m really excited.”
Burshia had been a fourth-grade teacher in Poplar. She earned her masters degree in educational administration and leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Part of the meeting featured the proposed contract extension and salary increase for superintendent of schools Dr. David Perkins. He explained that he appreciated the $10,000 bonus last year, but it left him still at his starting salary.
Determined by the bonus and salary increases based on percentages, the salary figure could be $152,600 from the current $130,000. Perkins said he wasn’t asking for a 9 percent plus increase like teachers are receiving once they get their first step and raise, but he would like it to reflect equity and to have his salary in line going into his third year.
“I’m not asking for $152,600,” Perkins said to trustees. “I’m just showing what happens if you get stopped at a spot with bonuses.”
Trustees asked principals at the meetings about their feelings toward Perkins’ work.
High School Principal Kim Hanks said she feels that Perkins is one of the best superintendents that she has worked with in Wolf Point.
Northside Principal Georgie Gourneau added that Perkins provides great guidance and brings communities together.
Activities director Eric Peterson said Perkins lets him do his job. He added there’s good communications between the two.
Trustees approved adding one year to Perkins’ contract for a total of three years. Trustees unanimously approved increasing his salary to $152,600.
During his superintendent report, Perkins shared accreditation information. He is pleased that Wolf Point now has earned regular status (which is the highest level to receive) for all four schools.
“In the year 2022-2023, all of our campuses were rated as deficiency in accreditation and assurance level. Both the junior high and high school rated as deficiency in performance level. Northside was rated advice. Southside was rated regular with minor deficiency,” Perkins said. “Now, the district and all campuses are rated at the highest rating of regular. It remains to be seen if this will impact the rigorous action or comprehensive school improvement labels. We have started on the upswing and with academic growth. It will be a process of several years to achieve our goals.”
Perkins commended the principals and teachers for achieving this success.
Board chair Roxanne Gourneau said evaluating education and decreasing crime are important positives when trying to recruit people to the area. “This will have multiple positive impacts,” she said of the accreditation improvements. Trustees received a retirement notice from Shirley Vandall, junior high special education paraprofessional.
Extra-curricular hires included Jaki Harada for assistant speech and drama coach, Abby Traeholt for junior high student council advisor, Karli McGowan for high school student council advisor and junior class co-advisor, Erin Loendorf as junior class co-advisor, Liz Solberg as pep club advisor, Leslie Larson as National Honor Society advisor, Kayla Messerly as Indian Club advisor, Patricia Toavs as concession manager and Peterson as activities director.
