The Lake Superior School Board received an update on the district’s various construction projects at last week’s meeting. Ekalath Sophaphanh, from ICS Consulting, gave an overview of work that has been completed so far and reviewed work that is ongoing. The new cafeteria at Minnehaha Elementary School will likely be finished before Spring Break and the current cafeteria space will be renovated to accommodate new prekindergarten and kindergarten classrooms. Construction of the main entrance and office space at William Kelley is underway and should be completed soon. Work has begun on the boy’s locker room and work on the girl’s locker room is scheduled to begin in April. Work on the music suite at William Kelley was slowed by the fact that there were unforeseen features in the existing space that were uncovered during demolition. This prompted the need for some redesign of that space. The original cost projection for the bus garages was $3,000,000. The bids that came in exceeded that amount which prompted a cost-saving redesign for both facilities. When completed, both garages will be constructed of more basic sheet metal which will bring their cost within the $3,000,000 target while still meeting the district’s bus storage and maintenance needs.
There is apparently concern among some families in the district about the lack of availability of advanced placement courses. This prompted a discussion on dual enrollment and supplemental online courses. All present emphasized the fact that the district is not interested in slowing progress for students who are ready for more advanced coursework than what is currently on offer at LSSD schools. It is important for families who are seeking advanced placement instruction for their children to discuss their needs directly with district officials. The Minnesota Department of Education has guidelines for the type of supplemental course work that meets State standards. The Lake Superior District is obligated to adhere to those standards when it comes to students who take dual enrollment or supplemental courses.
The Policy Committee is looking at a form that would acknowledge student gender identity and name changes. Questions arose as to whether it is appropriate for the district to involve itself in this issue. A board member expressed concern that the form encourages gender changes and that the district may “put itself in harm’s way”. School Board Chair Tracy Tiboni suggested that further discussions and a workshop be scheduled to clarify how the district handles this issue. Gender identity issues are nothing new and have been present throughout human history. Readers can expect to see more on this, as it relates to education, in the near future.
Two Harbors High School Principal Julie Benson attended her final school board meeting last week. Benson is retiring at the end of January after 36 years of dedicated service. In her last report to the Board, she highlighted several accomplishments that have brought her joy over the years. These include student involvement in One Act Plays, Robotics and Career Readiness programs. She also spoke of the revamped music program which has, among other things, gotten music students out into the community, singing Christmas carols in area nursing homes. The Board enthusiastically acknowledged Benson for her commitment to excellence for and for her tireless efforts on behalf of LSSD students. Though she will be missed, the Board wishes her well as she enters a new phase in her life.
The next School Board meeting is scheduled for February 13th at 6:00 p.m. at Two Harbors High School.
