Lame Deer High School in Montana. Photo from Facebook
Complaints filed against Lame Deer Public Schools Superintendent
By Clara Caufield
Northern Cheyenne Correspondent LAME DEER, Mont. — Lame Deer Public Schools, one of the lowest performing public schools in the State of Montana on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation is no stranger to controversy. The latest comes in the form of three formal complaints filed against Superintendent Bill Parker, a tribal member, by district employees. Robert McLean, Board Chairman confirmed that three complaints against Superintendent Bill Parker have been filed: two with the Montana Human Rights Board, bypassing the School Board and are currently being investigated by that body. Another personnel complaint was filed internally and will be handled by the Lame Board of Trustees which has retained Rick D’hogge, a Helena labor relations specialist to investigate the internal complaint. “We are not aware of the nature of the Human Rights complaints,” McLean clarified. “The Board has not seen those complains or dealt with the internal complaint yet.” Recently, one of the trustees, George Scalpcane, Lame Deer issued a press release on the situation, calling Parker’s behavior a clear example of “bullying” picked up by the Billings Gazette newspaper. McLean, however, clarified that this was a personal statement, not authorized by Board action. “Pending the investigation, which can be a lengthy process, it is premature to reach such a conclusion,” he said. “Neither is it appropriate to give out names.” The Lame Deer Board of Trustees is also being advised by Tony Konieg, attorney for the Montana School Boards Association. McLean explained that the Human Rights Board investigative process can involve several sequential phases: 1) internal to determine if the complaint has merit; 2) if so, a reconciliation process is attempted; 3) failing successful reconciliation, a formal hearing would be held and 4) failing that remedy, the complaints can be referred to court. “We are very early in the process,” McLean commented. “Due to the early stages of the investigation and on the advice of legal counsel I cannot comment further.” Parker, on one hand agreed. “I think it is inappropriate to comment on an ongoing investigation. However, my heart and soul is with the Lame Deer community. I want to do everything I can to help improve the school because the Morning Stars deserve it." Oddly, he said “I welcome the investigation, asking only for a fair and two-sided process. Our people deserve to know the whole story of the Lame Deer Schools. Some of these issues have troubled the school for years and need to be resolved.” (Clara Caufield can be reached at acheyennevoice@gmail.com.) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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