Standing Rock Sioux graduate takes on reservation school principal duties

Tyson Maxon tackles daunting odds because ‘Native kids can do just as well as any other kids’

The new elementary principal at Cannon Ball aims to elevate students’ academic skills from their rank on North Dakota’s bottom rung. Tyson Maxon recently began his career in education administration at the 99% Native American public grade school on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

“Native kids can do just as well as any other kids around the state,” Maxon said in an interview with Buffalo’s Fire. “My next goal is to get this school where it should be academically and culturally.”

Set in remote rural Sioux County, Cannon Ball has a population of around 900. The school has about 130 students enrolled in PK-6. Their math proficiency ranks last among the 187 state public elementary schools. Their reading competency ties for 186. They are 100% economically disadvantaged, based on federal statistics.

Yet similar schools have proven they can excel. In January, the majority Native, rural poor public elementary school in St. John, N.D., announced its national Distinguished School Award for exceptional student performance and academic growth. That was the same month Maxon took his position at Cannon Ball.

Maxon welcomes the challenges. A citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, he grew up on the reservation. His dad was a rancher and his mother worked at daycares before becoming a teacher. He said she inspired him to become an educator and serve the community.

With plenty of experience in the difficulties that American Indian students face, he stressed the importance of good formal instruction and guidance on the reservation or in other Native communities.

“The kids themselves deserve a proper education,” said Maxon. “They’re not second-class citizens. I don’t think people realize some of the hardships that some of these kids go through on the reservation,” he added. “Some of their priorities aren’t academic. Their priority is shelter and having that compassion at home.”

Maxon has demonstrated compassion for his students and makes an effort to build a connection with each of them. Jamie Entzi, the principal at Custer Elementary School in Mandan, recalled Maxon’s solid reputation as a physical education teacher there.

The two used to coach basketball together. “He always did a great job as a P.E. teacher and also as a coach,” said Entzi. “He built good relationships with students and staff.”

After Entzi became principal, he got to know Maxon on a more personal level. “He likes to joke around and have fun,” said Entzi. “He keeps the climate upbeat and is just really personable and friendly. I know people enjoy being around him and talking with him –– students, staff, everyone.”

When Maxon went for his master’s degree at Bismarck’s University of Mary, he asked Entzi to be his advisor. For two years, Maxon shadowed Entzi while learning the ropes of school administration.

“Through observations and going to meetings with me, I think it was nice to see him start to take on that role of being a leader in the school and asking questions, requesting to be a part of committees and things like that,” said Entzi. “He started putting his administrative hat on and found that this could be a fun role where he could be someone who could add to the school and do some good there.”

Maxon earned his undergraduate degree from United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck. His high school softball buddy Josh Standing Elk joined him there. This upcoming academic year, the pair will become coworkers. Standing Elk left his position as the curriculum and instruction specialist at Bismarck Public Schools and took a job as the Dean of Students at Cannon Ball Elementary School.

Standing Elk has high hopes for Maxon. “It’s such a big step when you’re moving towards administration,” said Standing Elk. “It’s just wanting to be in that role. And something that’s always kind of been with him is he wants to be the one to take that next big step.”

Though school administration is new territory for Maxon, Standing Elk said he will persevere as principal. “There might be times when he might experience something that requires growth in that role,” said Standing Elk. “I think he’s willing to take that head-on.”

For now, Maxon’s plan is to focus on serving the students at Cannon Ball Elementary to the best of his ability. He is confident in thinking “the most rewarding part of my career is the relationships that I’ve made with my colleagues – also, the connections with the kids.”

Sourcing & Methodology Statement:

Cannon Ball Elementary School (ranked bottom 50% for 2024) - cannon ball, ND. Public School Review. (n.d.). https://www.publicschoolreview.com/cannon-ball-elementary-school-profile 

Dateline:

BISMARCK, N.D.