Music on the chopping block
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ARLEE – Community members like Dawn Mollica objected to the school board’s decision not to hire an elementary music teacher to fill the currently vacant position.
“I can’t stress enough the importance of creativity in the lives of students,” she said. “This is a short sighted solution to the school’s financial problems.
“Arts education is exceedingly important to our students and our country. Creative thinking is the number one thing people are looking for in employees. I know it’s hard when there is not enough money.”
The board stated that leaving the position open creates funding for other necessities like changing the superintendent position from halftime to full time. Cutting elementary music would not affect the school’s accreditation.
In other news, administrators evaluated student performance for the last school year. They discovered a higher dropout rate, lower test scores and decreased attendance. Community members, teachers, administration and board members showed frustration as they contemplated a way to improve the school.
“We’ve got to do something,” Board Trustee Richard Bachmeier said.
Superintendent George Linthicum sees a brighter future.
“The painful part of this is that I know with certainty that we are capable of doing better, our children are capable.”
Collecting data showing student performance levels is “the first step and a necessary step” towards improvement.
“Now, we need to strategize,” Linthicum said. “We are looking at alternative learning programs. We are looking at literacy specialists. We have a whole bunch of things taking shape for this year.”
Board Chair Shelly Fyant agreed that something needs to be done.
“Arlee is at the bottom of all reservation schools (in regard to test scores). We need to make a healthy district with approaches from all angles.”
Rick Desjarlais, vice chair of the board, suggested school improvements might come from hiring teachers that share a cultural connection to many of the students.
“Our kids are not learning,” he said. “Compared to other schools in the valley, we sit really low. I think a native teacher would help. Our students need role models.”
Community member Brandi Ries stated that although cultural influences should be important to the school, they shouldn’t be the basis for hiring.
“I don’t think it matters if you are native or not native. I don’t think skin color should matter,” she said.
Administrators negotiated contracts with the board.
“I have a hard time raising administrative salaries when we are not certain what will happen down the road,” Bachmeier said.
High School Principal Jim Taylor stated that he would compromise by taking an increase for this year only and not for last year’s unsettled contract.
“This is the second year in a row we’d be at zero,” Taylor said of pay increases.
Contracts were settled with a two percent increase.
The school district is hosting breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., and lunch, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the school’s cafeteria from Monday through Thursday throughout the summer. The cost is free to anyone under 18. Adults are welcome to participate for $3 a meal.
