by Mike Knaak
by Mike Knaak
thenewsleaders.com/about-us
With COVID-19 cases rising, the Sartell-St. Stephen school district still wants to keep kids in school and is asking families “to help get us to the finish line,” Human Resources Director Krista Durrwachter told the school board April 14.
School administrators don’t anticipate shutting down the whole district again unless directed by the state, but if there is significant spread in a specific school, it may be closed to students.
“Significant spread is not happening, but cases are up,” Durrwachter said.
With the vaccinations opening up to people age 16 and older, some students have been getting vaccinated. Two weeks following their last shot, vaccinated students will not have to quarantine if they have a positive contact.
The latest guidance from the Minnesota State High School League requires masks for spectators and some athletes at outdoor activities this spring and spectators will need to sign up to facilitate case tracking.
Graduation plans are moving ahead with senior students and parents receiving a survey this week about the event. The ceremony will probably take place at the football stadium.
Equity audit
The district’s equity audit report is running behind schedule, and the school board now is expected to receive the findings from consultant Equity Alliance at its June meeting. That’s about two months later than expected. COVID-related school closings and compiling the vast amount of survey data slowed Equity Alliance’s work, administrators said.
The district’s equity committee will present to the school board at the May 5 board work session.
Daunte Wright
There’s a possible statewide school walkout at 1 p.m. Monday, April 19, to protest the death of Daunte Wright, who was fatally shot by a Brooklyn Center police officer.
Superintendent Jeff Schwiebert said high school students will have full access to walk out of class, but they will be held accountable for their behavior if it generates any tardy or absence reports.
“We’re not taking away their right as a citizen of the country,” Schwiebert said. “Students have the right to do what they choose to do.”
