After nearly a year of following distance and hybrid learning methods, due to the pandemic, Rushford-Petersonn will happily welcome all students, pre-kindergarten through grade 12, back in person beginning March 16.
“One of the aspects of the pandemic, probably the most important dialogue, was to recently discuss when we want to return students,” began Superintendent Jon Thompson at the February 22 board meeting. “This started before the governor came out and spoke. It’s not a knee jerk reaction, but something we have been planning. As far as we can tell, we haven’t added to community spread and numbers have been going down, down, down. They’re predicting half as many cases this time around. That’s the lowest since the middle of September.”
District administration has held ongoing meetings with staff with Middle School/High School Principal Jake Timm leading the meetings. He noted the district’s Green/Gold every-other-day hybrid model has worked well for students and staff and that distance learning will still be needed for students whose families do not feel comfortable returning to school. Teachers are and will continue to teach in mask and face shield, with a headset on to communicate with those students joining classes virtually. Timm also noted his belief that staff would be 100% on board with in-person instruction five days a week, but that required extra teacher prep time.
A variety of options for how and when to bring students back into the facility were suggested. It was unanimously decided that bringing them back four days a week, plus a required distance-learning day each Wednesday, would allow the most flexibility for staff and consistency for students.
“It’s still five days a week of learning. It’s four days in person and one day of learning in a different way,” noted Timm.
“It’s more beneficial for students. We’ve all discussed the importance of in-person learning,” added Board Chairman Chris Grindland.
“Every decision we have to make is about the kids,” said Board Director Matt Helgemoe. “I totally get the balance. It’s extremely difficult, I get that. I’m worried about next year and getting these kids back. We’re already talking about budget cuts and possible referendum money. We’re doing a great job, no doubt about it, but they’ve got to be here. I’m on the other side of that fine line. I look at it as how can we make this work for everybody
“Whatever decision we make, our staff and students are going to step up to the plate. It’s always a little balance,” added Thompson. “I guarantee, nobody knows for sure. We’re a group of people trying to make the best decision we can. But, whatever decision we make, I know we’ll be fine. Positive attitude is not prevalent everywhere and that’s a big part of it. It’s for the kids and for the teachers.”
In other news, the board approved the resignation of Board Director Kathy Wade. Thompson praised both Wade and the board for the work they do. “You guys listen to each other and you’re willing to talk. You come up with a decision as a group and build consensus. That’s what this board does for R-P.”
The board has the ability to appoint a person to fill the vacancy, but has to wait 30 days due to Minnesota statute. The new director would be on the board as of the April 19 meeting. The board approved appointing former director Bonnie Prinsen to the interim position in a roll call vote. Prinsen will fill the remainder of Wade’s term until an election is held. A special election to fill the position must be held the November following the vacancy, according to the statute.
During the Superintendent’s Report, Thompson spoke to the board about where the district sits financially. “It’s been challenging. We went into this school year thinking we were going to overspend. Eighty percent of our budget is people. There’s a hole there we have to figure out going forward. One item weighing heavily is declining enrollment. We already know we will receive additional funding for next year and the governor is talking about adding more. It’s difficult to anticipate.”
The district experienced a decline of 33 students due to the pandemic. They are hoping and planning on them returning, but it’s not guaranteed. The district receives $60,518 in typical declining pupil aid and there is a possibility of an additional $44,308 if the governor’s proposal is approved.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting is Monday, March 15, at 5:30 p.m., in the forum room. It is open to the public.
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