The Becker School Board met on Monday to discuss happenings around the school, including a recent incident with the Patriot Newspaper.

Band and Choir Field Trip

Gretchen Bordson, high school choir director, presented the plan for the band and choir field trip for 2022. The plan was to bring the kids to Memphis for one week at the end of March and beginning of April. The students will take in museums, concerts, and one-on-one experiences to learn about the history of music. The students have been fundraising by selling coupon books and other items. Last year’s trip was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Open Forum

Dan Olson, history teacher, spoke on two items before the board. He expressed his displeasure with the Patriot Newspaper in regards to the recent referendum election. He specifically noted the publication of a letter to the editor by Jim Newberger in favor of voting no in the election that was published the week before the election and a column earlier in the year. He claimed that these were published maliciously and encouraged the board to disassociate with the paper. 

Olson also spoke about Newberger’s mention of critical race theory (CRT) in the schools. He noted that CRT is not being taught in the schools, nor do the teacher or the board have much control over state requirements for material taught in class. He encouraged community members to take their concerns to their legislators. 

The board responded by saying that they had attended several meetings for those who were concerned with CRT and given this information in the past.

Superintendent’s Report

The school recently applied for ESSER III funding but was not approved, as they needed to change a couple of items on their application. There are several applications for which the school is applying or has applied recently.

Vaccinations will be offered at the schools in the near future, pending collaboration with Sherburne County Public Health. The vaccine is not required for students to attend school.

Schmidt thanked the substitutes for all they have done in stepping up to help, and noted that more subs were needed. Later in the meeting, the board voted to increase sub pay to be more competitive in attracting new hires. The school also hired the video company which made the referendum promotional videos to make a video to attract new subs to the district.

Minnesota Family Council is interested in giving a presentation to the board on the legal side of LGBTQ+ issues. This will take place possibly in early 2022. 

On a related note, Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA) sent out a list of guidelines for creating policies relating to LGBTQ+ students.

OSHA emergency temporary standard may require the school to make sure staff is either fully vaccinated or have unvaccinated staff members produce a negative COVID-19 result each week, as well as wear a face covering. Schmidt was concerned about losing staff members over this policy. The school will find out if this policy will be implemented in December. 

Supt. Schmidt spoke further on the issues they had with the Patriot. He was concerned that false information was being presented to the public. He, along with several of the board members, considered looking for another option as far as switching to another legal newspaper or simply posting legal notices online. 

Schmidt also addressed the Newberger column, stating that he had been in contact with Mr. Newberger, but had not received any information on where the former representative had received information on which to base his claims of CRT being taught in the schools. 

Leadership and Educational Excellence Awards were awarded throughout the district to support staff: Laura Garding of the Primary School; Rikke Hansen of the Intermediate School; Eileen Schermer of the Middle School; Danielle Mullin of the High School; Mary Schuster, with technology; and Tom Risley with transportation. These individuals will be honored in a ceremony Nov. 17. 

Several teachers from the district were honored in Oct. as well, including: Cindy Marholz of the Primary School; Anna Kunz of the Intermediate School; Sara Paterson of the Middle School; and Beth Kendall of the High School.

Student Rep. Report

Student representatives Madalynn and Kayla were excited to report on the success of the undefeated Bulldogs football team, which played in the state tournament Thursday evening (see results in next week’s Patriot.) 

The student council and the National Honor Society (NHS) recently took a leadership retreat and listened to motivational speaker Keith Hawkins. 

The Becker girls’ cross country went to state last Saturday, as did two of the boys, and had an excellent showing. 

Over 100 people attended the NHS Halloween event that took place recently. 

Band and choir concerts took place recently. The drama club continues to meet and practice for the musical, showings will take place in December. Winter sports are beginning. 

Becker Backpack Buddies recently met and had a packing event. Backpack Buddies is a group that provides meals to students in need. 

A celebration of Veterans took place at the school on Veterans’ Day (Thursday). 

Thanksgiving break will take place Nov. 24-26. The first trimester ends Dec. 2. 

In Other Business, the Board:

• Canvassed the election results;

• Did a first reading for several school policies, including those regarding political activities, internet use, and school meals;

• Increased pay rates for substitutes.