Each year the Grand Portage Local Indian Education Committee (LIEC) votes on whether or not ISD 166/Cook County Schools is in compliance with eight standards included in the district’s policy and procedures related to Indian students residing on Indian lands. The LIEC issued a letter to the district citing non-concurrence with four of the eight standards (standards one, four, five and seven). The district holds that they are in full concurrence with six of the standards but acknowledges it is only partially concurrent with two of them (standards five and seven). The issue was discussed at the May 5, 2016 school board meeting.
Standard one states that the district shall allow tribal officials and parents of Indian children to comment on whether Indian children participate on an equal basis in programs and activities. Superintendent Beth Schwarz contends that the district does uphold this standard. The October regular school board meeting is advertised and held annually in Grand Portage. Tribal officials and parents are encouraged to address the board on any topic related to the education of American Indian students. The LIEC, which is also invited to this, brought no suggestions for changes to that meeting. In addition, the superintendent, principal, guidance counselor, a school board member, and a faculty member regularly attend LIEC meetings.
The LIEC does not agree saying that data shows that Indian students are not participating on an equal basis. Grand Portage Education director Maria Burnett put forth that a committee was to be put together for this but it has never been formed. She also said the LIEC feels that their suggestions are not being acted on.
Similarly standard for states the district shall disseminate applications, evaluations, program plans and information in a timely manner. It also allows the tribes and parents of Indian children the opportunity to review materials, provide input and make recommendations.
Schwarz stated that she believes the district to be in concurrence with this standard as well. School board packets are forwarded to Burnett to go to the Reservation Tribal Council (RTC), LIEC and all interested parties. Schwarz suggested that it would be good for tribal representatives to attend regular school board meetings.
The LIEC does not concur, saying that requests and recommendations for culturally relevant educational materials have not been implemented. Their letter to the board expounds, “Our Indian students need to know that their culture and community have self-worth, are valid, are valued and are important enough to be taught about not only to them but to others as well.”
Involvement sought through survey
The district and the LIEC do agree that improvement could be made in concurring to standards five and seven. Both standards have to do with the gathering of information on Indian community views and involving tribal officials and parents of Indian children in the planning of the district’s programs and activities. Burnett will present the board with surveys to be filled out anonymously by Indian students and parents to help gather some of this data.
In her written summary to the board concerning the letter of non-concurrence, Schwarz quoted the letter in part “…If the District’s educational programs [are] adequate, then there would be no achievement gap.”
Schwarz wrote, “It is important to note that the achievement gap is perpetuated by many factors. Although enhancements in the classroom may reduce the achievement gap, other opportunity gaps, many of them beyond the District’s control, will need to close before the achievement gap will be closed. Therefore it is the District’s desire to continue to work with Grand Portage and other agencies to address the many factors perpetuating the opportunity gaps. The Opportunity for Achievement Committee formed in late February, 2016 is a great start on the productive collaboration which is needed to help every student in Cook County reach their full potential.”
District highlights
With a huge smile and a new bike, Mary Elfvin was definitely a district highlight during that portion of the school board assembly. The special needs bike, purchased by the Grand Marais Lions Club, gives independent mobility to Mary who otherwise cannot walk on her own.
With Mary’s help, school nurse Kay Borud also demonstrated a Spot Vision Screener. The screener is a hand-held, portable device designed to help users quickly and easily detect vision issues on patients from 6 months of age through adult.
The screener can identify whether a subject is far-sighted, near-sighted or has astigmatism without any verbal communication from the subject making it ideal for young children. The screener was purchased with grants and assistance from the Lions Club, the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation, the North Shore Health Care Foundation and a small disbursement from ISD 166. Borud stated that her understanding through the grant process is that the device would be available to all the schools and everyone in Cook County.
Community comments
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Vice President Carin Gulstrand gave an update on a successful year. The PTA helps to coordinate events and activities such as project fairs, the elementary yearbook, special lunches, teacher appreciation week and a book fair. Gulstrand said the association added two new fundraisers this past year- a taco dinner and bake sale which raised $800 and an elementary wide read-a-thon which netted $5,400 in donations. The funds will assist in hosting events and purchasing items and experiences for students and teachers. She thanked local businesses, parents and teachers for all of their support this past year.
Community member Sue Prom addressed the board regarding what she viewed as disparities in discipline following a school locker and vehicle search. Board Chair Jeanne Anderson said that while the school board develops policies, district administration handles enforcement of those policies. Prom was concerned over the expulsion of a student for having ammunition in a car. Following the meeting, a school source said that there was no expulsion involved.
Union negotiations
The board recessed into closed session for contract negotiations with the Teamsters Union. Anderson also gave additional information on the terms of the Cook County Education Association contract for teachers approved at the previous regular meeting. Teachers received no increase in their salaries next year and a 2 percent raise the following year.
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