The Southern Ute Tribal Council and Ignacio School District School Board and administrative staff attended an evening meeting, Tuesday, March 15, to discuss developments within the district, challenges to student success, and the shift to a four-day school week.
The Ignacio School Board President Allen McCaw began the meeting by acknowledging and giving accolades to Superintendent Chris deKay for the changes that are being implemented and positively impacting the schools, community, and relationship with the Tribe. Southern Ute Chairman Melvin J. Baker emphasized the quarterly meetings are a bridge of collaboration and lead to a pathway of success.
Beginning during the 2023 School Year, the district will shift to a four-day school week. The district received overwhelming support for the change. Fridays will be reserved for credit recovery programs and certificate courses offerings. The district is currently developing partnerships within the community, including tribal departments such as SunUte Community Center and with the Boys & Girls Club of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, to provide enriching opportunities for students.
Tribal and district leadership and staff all agreed there needs to be an immediate plan developed to address the low performance and attendance issues among Native students.