Some, but not daily, school time discussed

As schools continue to plan for three possible scenarios for resuming classes in the fall, details continue to emerge.

As reported in the Pine Knot News on June 26, state officials told schools to prepare for three different possibilities in the fall:

1. In-person learning for all students with as much space between students as feasible during the day.

2. A hybrid model with stricter social distancing and capacity limits in the building and buses.

3. Distance learning only.

In the weeks since the state’s announcement, Cloquet school officials now know that under the strict social distancing guidelines in the hybrid model, students would likely attend school in-person just one out of every three days, spending the other two days distance learning at home, superintendent Michael Cary told board members Monday.

Board members approved adding a bus route regardless of which scenario the state decides on, because increased social distancing on buses is also part of the plan.

Cary said he’s heard good feedback from parents about distance learning.

“As an educator, I think it’s important we have the kids in the buildings,” he said. “I think parents are seeing the impact of not being in school or able to do activities.”

Cary stressed that it is not up to the individual school districts to decide which scenario they will use for school next year; that will be a decision made by Gov. Tim Walz, along with the Minnesota departments of education and health.

In other actions during Monday’s fairly short meeting, board members agreed to begin negotiations for the superintendent’s next contract almost a year early at Cary’s request. The superintendent explained that his contract does not give him a “guaranteed right to continue” so he would prefer to know if his job is secure as soon as possible. “I’d love to have something in place before the start of school so when we enter the school year, that’s where my focus is.”

Board members discussed pros and cons, noting the teachers contract is ending in June 2021 as well. Dave Battaglia said he would prefer not to settle the financial terms early, unless there is a “me too” clause for either the teachers or the superintendent.

The board also approved a number of measures to go along with the start of the financial year, including selecting the Pine Knot News as the district’s legal newspaper for 2020-21, selecting a law firm and setting a 10 cent increase in meal pricing for the 2020-21 school year. That means breakfast will cost $1.80 for students, and student lunch will cost $2.70 at the elementary schools, $2.90 at the middle school and $3 at the high school.

The school board meets next on Aug. 3.