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Parents urge investigation after discipline, alleged procedural failures at Fort Washakie schools
Summary
Several parents told the Select Committee on Tribal Relations they had exhausted local remedies over student discipline, alleged retaliation and procedural concerns at Fort Washakie schools and asked the committee and tribal leaders to support a community talking circle and follow‑up.
Multiple parents and community members used public‑comment time at the Select Committee on Tribal Relations to raise concerns about discipline and alleged procedural failures at Fort Washakie (Fremont 21) schools and to request outside facilitation and follow‑up.
Why it matters: Parents said the issues affect students’ safety, trust in school staff and long‑term educational outcomes; they asked tribal and state leaders to help open communication and facilitate problem‑solving.
Toni Colston, a parent and long‑time community member, told the committee about her son, whom she described as a student with learning needs who was removed from campus during severe weather and later felt unsafe returning. “Our children deserve better. They deserve to feel safe, respected, and supported in their learning environment,” Colston told the committee, asking for a formal investigation into school policies and leadership conduct.
Other parents described parallel incidents they said were unresolved at the school and district levels. Austin Hill, who identified himself as a parent, told the committee, “How are our children supposed to move forward when we are deprived of all the education at a young age, and never get the chance to step up and be that person.” He and other commenters said they had tried local appeals to school leaders and the school board without satisfactory outcomes.
LaDon Olson, a community organizer, said parents would hold a “talking circle” to bring together families, school representatives and tribal and state liaisons; the first meeting was planned for Rocky Mountain Hall and parents invited district officials. Committee members encouraged parents to engage the elected school board (which hires superintendents and sets policy) and noted that local remedies are the standard first step but that the committee could be a convener.
The committee took no formal action; members urged parents to document complaints in writing to the school and board and to use tribal and community mediation resources. Several committee members offered to help facilitate communications between parents, tribal liaisons and the district.
