LCO Tribal Governing Board
Official Statement
The Tribal Governing Board is aware that in recent weeks an unauthorized video of a student/staff interaction taking place at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School has been circulated on social media. The Governing Board has met with school officials as well as community members to review the conduct and hear concerns. Upon their review of events leading up to and following the interaction, which was unlawfully recorded, and in light of the Tribe's efforts to curb the presence of unlawful and/or disorderly behavior, the TGB has found no evidence of inappropriate conduct on the part of school staff. Furthermore, in light of the prevalence of school violence nationwide and the local rise in gang activity, the board would like to acknowledge the work that is being done by school staff each and every day to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for all who attend Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School.
The Governing Board, together with the LCO PD, the Office of Attorney General and LCO school leadership will continue to address instances of bullying and protection of students and staff, now and into the future.
Safety of the students and staff at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School is the highest priority of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Governing Board, acting in its role as the local school board. In order to assure students are not only physically safe, but emotionally and socially supported, professional development takes place annually and throughout the school year to train school staff in effective practices to engage, support and protect the students of Lac Courte Oreilles. Significant time and energy are dedicated to recruiting, hiring, and retaining an educational workforce that both knows and understands the needs and potential of our student population. Ongoing consultation with law enforcement as well as mental health and counseling professionals is the highest priority of the school leadership and is supported by the Governing Board.