School Board Approves In-Town Route

By Bill Vander Weele

The Wolf Point School Board approved an in-town bus route during its monthly meeting on Monday, Dec. 8.

Superintendent of Schools David Perkins will serve as the driver until another certified driver can possibly be hired.

“[The trustees] want a route and don’t have anybody else to drive,” Perkins told the newspaper.

Perkins explained to the board that the service isn’t needed only because of winter weather but for safety factors.

He noted some students now must walk across U.S. Highway 2 and train tracks in order to come to school.

“It’s a safety issue,” Perkins said. He estimates the bus will travel about 7.4 miles round trip per day. Service will begin after the holiday break.

Also during the meeting, trustees approved a mail-in election for May 5, 2026.

Incumbent trustees due for election are Liara Braaten for District 1 and Trenton Wemmer for District 5. The terms are for three years.

Trustees decided to table a health insurance proposal through Bridged until more information is received.

Hired were Wyatt Miller as high school track assistant coach and Eric Peterson as junior high track assistant coach.

Northside Principal Georgie Gourneau reported that Montana State University 4-H coordinator Portia Magwaba conducted a plant lesson with third-grade students during the month. Another highlight was a book fair at the library.

High School Principal Kim Hanks discussed addressing a rise in physical infractions and drug related offenses this fall.

“We are working to address these issues. Some changes we have made are updated teacher duty locations, cell phone policy and meeting with high school students to ask for their input on how to curb the violence,” Hanks said. “We are hoping to bring speakers in after the new year.”

Wolf Point resident and junior high cross country coach Darryl Ricker presented questions during the public comment portion.

Ricker asked about the possibility of having fourth-grade students participate in cross country competitions.

Board chair Roxanne Gourneau answered that Ricker should visit with activities director Eric Peterson about that option. She said once a plan is developed, then it can move forward to Superintendent Dr. David Perkins.

Ricker then inquired about food and shoes being provided for student athletes.

Peterson said all of the students on athletic trips get fed, but it de- pends on the length and distance traveled for the competition. For example, coolers are often used for the wrestling and track programs.

Perkins said the school feeds them as long as it is a reasonable length trip or a long day of participating. “But work with the AD,” he said to Ricker.

Gourneau agreed, “Feeding is our responsibility.”

Trustee Michael Holen said at times, parents chip in to provide snacks and drinks for the athletes on trips.

“For the basic meal, the school is responsible,” Gourneau said.

As far as shoes, Gourneau says JOM provides $50 for members. She mentioned sometimes families will sell or give away shoes that don’t fit their students.