Board OKs Raises, Sixth-Grade Football
The Wolf Point School Board approved pay raises for building principals during its meeting on Wednesday, June 25.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perkins explained the current salary schedule had principals receiving a 2 percent during their first six years and then 1 percent annually after that. “We’re going to have teachers paid more than our principals if we aren’t careful,” Perkins told the board of why the salary increases are needed.
The proposal, which was approved unanimously, was for the principals to see a 5 percent increase this year. Then, in the second year, the raise would be 1 percent on the base and 2 percent on steps.
“We need to keep up. If we don’t, we are going to lose people,” Perkins said.
Trustees also approved pay raises for substitute teachers and bus drivers. The wage for certified substitute teachers will increase from the current $15 an hour to $18.75 an hour. Non-certified substitute teachers will now receive $17.50 an hour. Bus drivers for activities will receive $20 an hour instead of $19. Route drivers will receive $27.50, up from $26.50.
Trustees also approved pay raises for the business manager and technology administrator. After some discussion, trustees approved allowing sixth-grade students play tackle football in the junior high school program.
“We felt like it is the time to do it since the sixth graders are moving here,” activities director Eric Peterson said.
He noted the challenges of finding football games to play in the area.
Other schools that allow sixthgrade students to play junior high football include Scobey, Poplar and Culbertson.
Wolf Point’s students will also keep the option of playing flag football in the spring.
“We’re just trying to build our numbers up,” Peterson said.
School officials noted that coaches won’t face opponents that are much larger in size during games. A possibility is playing “fifth quarters” with sixth graders or smaller players going against each other.
Perkins said one drawback is parents don’t always understand why their children might not be playing in a certain game. The reason could be a large physical size difference and a fear of injury.
“I’m not opposed as long as we’re protecting our kids,” Perkins said.
Board chair Roxanne Gourneau stressed to the public that this is a pilot project to determine if it’s something positive in the long run.
Trustees approved the purchase of a Digital Watchdog for Northside School at a cost of $30,937. Perkins said he is researching a safety system that involves local law enforcement. While using existing cameras, AI could determine if there’s a weapon and notify law enforcement and administration.
Trustees approved the hiring of Samantha Goodman as a paraprofessional.
The board approved the recommendation by Perkins of the estimate submitted by Dreum Designs for the interior painting of the current district office located on Fourth Avenue South. Cost of the project is $30,937.30.
Trustees approved Houghton Mifflin Harcourt HMH into the Reading K-5 VC and Literature V2 three year curriculum.
“It’s just an upgrade,” Perkins explained to trustees. As of now, there isn’t a school board scheduled for July. The regular board meeting for August is scheduled for Aug. 11.
