Pandemic impacts school enrollment numbers slightly

Enrollment numbers are down slightly in Cloquet, and superintendent Michael Cary said he's blaming the usual culprit these days: Covid-19.

In a discussion with Cloquet school board members Monday, Cary said open enrollment numbers are down between 25-30 kids this fall. At the same time, they've seen an uptick of about 20 kids who are homeschooling this year (which is different from distance learning, because it is not run by the school district), and a "giant decrease" in kindergarten numbers.

"It sounds like a national trend," Cary told the board. "I think a lot of parents were on the fence [about sending their child to school] and maybe Covid-19 pushed a lot of families to wait a year before school.

Despite the small decrease, Cary said he will likely bring a recommendation to the board at its next meeting on Oct. 27 to close open enrollment for the year, which usually happens around this time of year.

As the days grow colder, board members also discussed whether or not the district can provide a winter bus route for walkers again this year.

They can, Cary said, despite changes to bus routes due to Covid that have elementary and secondary students riding different buses. He said Cloquet Transit expects to be able to pick up riders attending Washington Elementary in one loop, and secondary students in another.

"I had families calling in August asking if we were going to do it again this year," Cary said, assuring board members that the service is appreciated by families.

The bus route for walkers won't begin until the weather gets cold enough, Cary said, adding that it isn't an exact science. Last year it began in mid-December, just in time for a cold snap that sent temperatures to minus 15 degrees. Parents will receive a message via Infinite Campus when the winter route is beginning.

In other matters Monday, school board members voted unanimously to allow teachers in the district to create a supplementary sick leave bank for Covid-19-related illnesses for this school year only. Teachers can voluntarily put in sick days they've accrued, to be used by any participating teacher for a Covid-related absence, as long as they have 12 or fewer of their own sick days remaining.

"It's nice that the teachers are doing this, and the only cost to the district is tracking the days," Cary said.