An ombudswoman recently hired by the Winner School District will serve as a liaison between Native American students and families and the school.

The school board approved DeAnn Felix's hiring on Monday, Jan. 14, almost eight months after a class-action settlement was reached between the school district and Native American students and families who were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union.

Native American parents alleged that the school district's discipline policies treated their children more harshly than white students.

Hiring an ombudsperson was a stipulation of the settlement agreement.

Felix will attend disciplinary interviews and prepare a written report for each incident involving a Native American student.

Felix's duties will include assisting school officials in organizing one annual social activity to bring families together.

Her responsibilities also include acting as an advisor, organizing, monitoring, recruiting and providing in-school and after-school events that focus on Native American history, culture and language.