Eight candidates applied to be appointed to the two vacant seats on the school board. The seats were recently vacated by Connie Robinson and Sarah Schafer.
Troy Berning and Pete Weisman (spelling of names uncertain) were appointed to fill the vacant seats. All seats will be up for re-election in November.
Open Forum
Julia, a student, spoke on behalf of her transgender friends who did not feel comfortable approaching the board, presenting their views and experiences. She urged the board to take action to make the schools a more inclusive environment.
Special Education Cooperative
Heidi Nistler of the Sherburne and Northern Wright Special Education Cooperative gave a presentation to the board about the services they offer.
The cooperative is recognized as a special school district in and of itself. It works with Becker, Big Lake, and Monticello school districts. St. Michael/Albertville used to also be a part of the cooperative, but it withdrew from the program. Between the three school districts, 1,864 students receive special education services, which is about 17.3% of the total student body. This is higher than the state average of 14.3%, but Nistler attributed this to the program’s reputation, which is attractive to families of students with special education needs. In Becker, 497 students, or 17.5% of students, receive special education services.
The cooperative oversees all the special education programs in the school, as well as advocating in the legislation for the needs of the districts and the students in those districts.
The cooperative offers services to students as young as a few days old. They are trying to make sure area parents know that, if their children have any developmental delays, help is available right away through the special education programs. Some students are able to receive special education for only a short time before successfully transitioning back to regular classes.
Nistler let the board know that being part of the cooperative was beneficial for the schools financially, as well. If the district were to take in a student with special needs without being a part of the co-op, they might have to hire several new positions just to take care of that student, whereas, if they are part of a cooperative, the co-op can take care of the student using existing staff.
Student Council Report
Before the student council report, board chair Mark Swanson let the student representatives know that, for the rest of the school year at least, the student reps would be invited to sit at the table with the rest of the board and would be welcomed to ask questions and provide feedback like any other board member, although they would not be able to vote, of course.
The student representatives reported that:
• the juniors took their ACTs;
• the drama club put on Bad Performances by Bad Actors;
• the robotics team participated in the world championship competition;
• the student council is planning the “Spring Fling” for May 20;
• spring sports have begun;
• prom will take place today (Saturday, May 7);
• the high school band will have a performance May 16, choir will have a performance May 23;
• May 18 is scholarship night;
• seniors’ last day will be May 26, and graduation will be May 27;
• June 3 will be the final day for the rest of the student body.
Communication Plan
The board adopted a new communication plan, which will guide the administration on how and when to communicate with the public, with the media, and with families. A draft of this plan is available in the meeting agenda posted on the school website.
In Other Business, the Board:
• Held second readings of two new policies;
• Adopted a revised budget for the current school year;
• Reviewed the proposed budget for the next school year.
