Revamped graduation party approved

The Esko school board approved a revamped graduation party for its students that will be abbreviated from the traditional all-night event during its meeting Monday night.

In previous years, graduates would board a bus after the ceremony and enjoy a cruise on the Vista Fleet in Duluth, while parents prepared the gymnasium for an all-night event designed to keep students in a safe environment. Last year, the event was canceled due to the pandemic. This year, the parent-run organizing committee has planned an event at the Buffalo House in Midway township, just outside Esko.

“We’ve planned an event that runs from after the graduation ceremony until about midnight, it’s all outdoors, and there’s plenty of parental supervision,” organizer Joy Amireault told the board. Board member Maggie Sunnarborg expressed concern over the event being held at a facility that sells alcohol, but was reassured by the planning committee that the students would be at the outdoor athletic fields, far away from the bar area, and would be heavily supervised.

“I’d feel better if we hired an off-duty police officer for security,” she said. Sunnarborg also told the board that she’s gotten more emails on this issue from parents than any other in years. “Overwhelmingly, parents are in favor of this location,” she said. The board approved the plan.

The board also held a work session prior to the meeting to discuss the budget forecast.

“We’re in good shape, financially,” superintendent Aaron Fischer told the board. “We have a rainy day fund, and we hit that ‘rainy day’ with the pandemic last year, but our forecast deficit of $190,000 is really minor compared to our $12 million budget, and the deficit can be erased quickly, depending on how the data shakes out,” he reported.

In other news, the board:

• Approved a plan to add an anatomy class elective for juniors and seniors.

• Accepted a number of donations from community members to support community education’s monthly newspaper, “Esko’s Corner.”

• Accepted a $10,000 grant from the Minnesota department of education for mental health and resiliency enhancement for young community members under 8 years old, to be administered by community education.

• Discussed long-term capital improvements such as extra bleachers at the football field to accommodate the high school band; installation of solar panels; and safety bollards at doors and sidewalks.

• Approved a list of current capital outlay expenditures such as conversion to LED lighting; a small paving project at the bus garage; 80 new football uniforms, and more.

• Decided the new bus would be gas-powered rather than propane-powered, to ease refueling on longer trips.

• Recognized Deputy Sheriff Rob Lucas on his retirement for his interaction with the school and students during his time assigned to Thomson Township.

The next board meeting is scheduled for April 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Esko school auditorium.