It seems that there is always a high degree of positive energy at the start of every school year. Students are typically excited to be back in the classrooms with their peers and teachers and administrators are happy to get back to the work of educating students.
This positive energy was certainly evident at the Lake Superior School District Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night, September 13th. A partial explanation for the good vibes is the simple fact that after two years of Covid restrictions and related pandemic challenges, both for students, their families and the district’s educators, things are finally returning to normal.
Several district principals were on hand and reported that the open houses that were held to welcome students and families back were well attended. Minnehaha Principal Brett Archer stated that it was evident that both students and staff were excited to get back in the swing of school routines. William Kelley Principal Joe Nicklay echoed these sentiments and lauded the great community support that is evident in the district. He also recognized the generous donation for new scoreboards made by Cliffs Corporation. Two Harbors Assistant Principal Gina Kleive talked about the enthusiasm of staff as they met for professional development prior to the start of the school year and also mentioned the joy of seeing school alumni who came to school with their children who are now THHS students.
Another reason for the good vibes was the presentation given by Ekalath Sophaphana from the consulting firm CSI. Sophaphana and a colleague reviewed the district’s construction projects highlighting both work that has been completed and proposals and timelines for future work. The presentation included architectural renderings of redesigned spaces for Two Harbors High School. Additional presentations are planned for October and November for Minnehaha and William Kelley schools, respectively.
Superintendent Jay Belcastro noted that over the last two years, staff and administrators have gone above and beyond their typical workloads to meet the needs of their students during the pandemic. He sees this year as a reset to a more typical and productive school year.
The meeting ended on a sad note. Belcastro mentioned the passing of former Superintendent Bill Crandall, noting Dr. Crandall’s integrity, gentle demeanor and commitment to the students of the Lake Superior School District. Dr. Crandall will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
