From Bismarck Public Schools to state leadership: Sashay Schettler’s new role

In an interview with Buffalo’s Fire, Schettler said she wasn’t looking for a new job, “but the opportunity fell into my lap.” Multiple friends felt that her Indigenous and equitable education skills would be best served at the state level.

The Department of Public Instruction had seven applicants for the role. Schettler rose to the top and was recently chosen to become the assistant director for the Office of Indian and Multicultural Education. Lucy Fredericks, the director of Indian and Multicultural Education, said there were several reasons why they chose her.

“Sashay is very passionate about Indian Education; she is creative and innovative and has worked in education for several years, and was the first Indigenous education director for Bismarck Public Schools,” said Fredericks in an email. “She is responsible for making the program and role a success. She has worked with Native students and parents to improve student outcomes as a culturally responsive coordinator for BPS. She has very good communication skills and prioritizes teamwork.”

As assistant director, Schettler’s duties will include administering the Title III/English Learner program, assisting and supporting Every Student Succeeds Act Accountability and the TSI/CSI schools, working with programs in the Indian/Multicultural Education office – Indian Education/Migrant programs.

In addition, she’ll also provide timely accurate technical assistance to schools, districts, tribal partners and agencies across the state through monitoring and other program requirements. She will also collaborate with DPI’s internal teams and outside agencies on projects and initiatives and provide program training and presentations.

“I am excited and looking forward to Sashay joining our office,” said Fredericks. “She will be a valuable asset to the work we are doing with Indian education and the Title III/EL program.”

Schettler has been the director of Indigenous Education for BPS since 2021. She was the first person in the role when it was created. Previously, a district principal would be assigned to focus on Indigenous education in addition to their regular job duties. After Native families and educators voiced a need for an Indigenous education director, Schettler applied and was chosen for the job. While working as a director, Schettler played a lead role in setting up the foundation for the Indigenous Education Department.

When Schettler first started working with BPS in 2018, the district had only one cultural coordinator. Once BPS got more funding, the district expanded the Indigenous Education Department. Schettler has been involved in this process and has advocated for the department’s continued growth.

“My work in BPS prioritized laying the foundation of the understanding of Indigenous peoples, coupled with robust culturally relevant practices,” said Schettler. “The biggest shift has been through exposure and mindset.”

Steve Koontz, the communication relations director at BPS, has witnessed Schettler’s growth throughout her years as the district’s Indigenous education director. “I think that she’s just really managed to bring Indigenous education to the forefront of people’s awareness in a way that it wasn’t when I first started working here,” Koontz said.

Some of her other duties included managing the Title XI and Johnson O’Malley grant, which are federal funds used for Indigenous students, educators and Native-centered programs. She’s participated in the Indigenous Parent Advisory Committee meetings throughout her time at BPS, listening to the concerns of Native families and communicating with the organization’s officers.

Koontz said Schettler has been great in the district for all these years. He describes her as extremely personable and friendly. Fredericks said one of the reasons Schettler was the right choice for DPI is the passion and energy she puts into her work in Indigenous education.

After six years working with BPS, Schettler finds it bittersweet to leave the district. “I find myself repeating ‘It’s sad but exciting.’ I love my students and coworkers and know there is so much work to be done within BPS,” said Schettler. “I have had an amazing opportunity to grow my skills, work with outstanding mentors, support Indigenous peoples and lead with passion.”

With Schettler’s upcoming May departure, Koontz said the district is interviewing candidates to replace her. “I think everybody will be really sad to see her go because she has made so many great friendships during her time working here,” said Koontz. “And so everybody is definitely happy for her to take this new opportunity, but also will miss her presence here in the office and in the district.”

Schettler’s set to begin her new role with DPI on June 3.

She’s ready for the next chapter in her career. She knows she has a lot of rewarding work ahead. “As I look to the future, I hope that history will show that I supported building educational environments where Indigenous students are appreciated, and appropriately supported,” said Schettler. “I strive to make our ancestors and future generations proud.”