ISD 2142 school board discusses IUOE union grievance, Indigenous education strategic plan
Reported byThe Ely EchoBy Harmony Fisher
Student groups in this story
Why these groups?
- Native American: Mentions “Indigenous”, “American Indian” in the headline
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AI-assisted preview
The ISD 2142 school board held a working session on Tuesday, Oct. 13, to review a strategic direction plan for Indigenous education covering 2026-2029, followed by its regular meeting. American Indian Coordinator Deanna Drift and consultant Dr. Luke Warnsholz presented it. The plan envisions Indigenous students thriving in an equitable, culturally responsive system. Targets include attendance and graduation rates matching district averages by 2029, fully accurate Indigenous student documentation by 2027, and a 50% cut in disciplinary disparities by 2029. Proposed pathways include language revitalization, transportation access, mentorship and restorative practices.
Board members Ron Marinaro and Linsey Larson asked how progress will be tracked. Drift said measuring results across five schools is difficult, and she suggested partnering with local tribes and seeking transportation grants. The 25-page plan drew on meetings with principals, interviews with students and a review of data. Larson noted it could be revised later.
Afterward, John Hane of IUOE Local 70 told the board that some union-represented employees, including custodians, bus drivers and secretaries, have not been accruing vacation time. Hane said the union believes they should be and is prepared to seek arbitration if needed. The board met in closed session with legal counsel to discuss possible responses; the article does not report an outcome. The board then approved a PSEO contract with Minnesota North College and winter snowplow bids, which the finance director said were better for the budget than last year's.
Why it matters
The plan sets measurable goals for Indigenous students' attendance, graduation and discipline that families and staff may track over three years. The vacation grievance could affect pay-related benefits for district support staff and may lead to arbitration.
- Discipline disparities
- Graduation rates
- Transportation and bus routes
- Union contracts
- Board vote
A short preview written with AI from the publisher's article. It may contain errors; the full story has the details and is the authoritative source. Our editorial standards.
Read the full story at The Ely Echo (opens in a new tab)Questions to discuss
- Which measures would best show whether the Indigenous education plan is working across five different schools?
- How could the district work with local tribes and outside grants to address transportation and after-school access?
- How should the board and union communicate while a grievance over employee benefits is under review?
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