New School Board member, Jeff Radle, took the oath of office at this month’s Lake Superior School Board meeting. New staff member, George Iistrup was also introduced to the Board that night. Ilstrup is a 5th grade general education teacher at Minnehaha Elementary. He thanked the Board for the support that he has received since joining the district and shared that when he is not involved with school related activities, he enjoys landscape photography and storm chasing. Iistrup then invited any interested Board members to accompany him on his storm chasing adventures this summer.
Gail Harju, Spanish Teacher and World Cultures Advisor, gave a presentation to the Board to promote a trip to Costa Rica for students in 2024. Harju has taken students on trips outside the United States in the past and this will be the first such outing since the Covid shutdown. The Board approved the proposal. Interested students and their families should watch for details about the trip as they become available.
In his report to the Board, Community Education Director Bruce Remme, highlighted several learning opportunities that are available to residents of both Silver Bay and Two Harbors. Community swimming classes are up and running again and for those interested in exploring their artistic interests, there is the Barn Quilt Workshop. For Silver Bay residents, the Barn Quilt Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22nd from 5:30 to 9:30 PM. Two Harbors residents can attend the workshop on Thursday evening, February 23rd. A full description of the workshop is available on the Community Education facebook page.
Curriculum Director Dan Johnson and Gail Harju spoke about the district’s staff development plan. Each of the district’s schools has a committee made up of teachers, administrators and paraprofessionals that coordinate staff development for that specific school. District wide goals include,
• Working to insure a safe climate and culture that promotes learning in each building.
• Developing community partnerships for improving programing and supporting family engagement.
• Staff training to promote continuous improvement for all learners and staff.
• Allocation of resources to efficiently and effectively promote staff and student learning.
This staff development plan allows all district staff to practice and improve their instructional skills while focusing on evidence-based curriculum and strategies to improve student learning.
Superintendent Jay Belcastro spoke about conversations that he has had recently with legislators in Saint Paul to secure State funds for district projects. Hopefully, funds will be secured in the next few months.
The next School Board meeting is scheduled for March 7th at 6:00 at William Kelley High School.
