Mascot change is a process

Although the Esko school board voted to eliminate the Eskomos nickname and associated iconography as of June 30, it will take time to eliminate the word and associated igloo image from various locations and uniforms.

For now, the school district is simply using a block-style letter “E” or the word “Esko” where it can, said superintendent Aaron Fischer. Board members considered and agreed with the block letter style following Monday’s school board meeting.

Board members voted on the change in June, after the state passed legislation that prohibits school districts from adopting names, symbols, or images that refer to American Indian Tribes.

The board has not discussed a process for getting a new mascot yet, but there have been several suggestions from community members. Fischer said they are not in a rush to choose a new nickname or mascot.

Responding to Pine Knot News inquiries, readers have also been making suggestions. Terry Johnston suggested “Huskies.” Mark Bergstedt said he’d like to see “Mighty Mos” used. Susan Bonneville said “Esko Glaze” would preserve the “icy cold connotation.” Other reader nicknames are “Norse,” “Mosquitos,” and “Eskers.”

“We have until 2025 to remove stuff,” Fischer told the Pine Knot Monday. “What we can do, we will start doing as soon as possible.”

In the near future, that means changes to a simple “E” or “Esko” on the website, social media, and other district materials.

Expect to see the Eskomos name on uniforms this year. Fischer said the time lag for new uniforms is close to six months.

In other matters:

• The board received a presentation about Perkins-funded career and technical education funded activities, including training for CTE instructors and field trips. Esko has a good chance of receiving a much larger grant, over $28,000, this year, to pay for a laser engraver, the Perkins presenters told the board.

• Board members approved another three-year contract for superintendent Fischer, which would continue until June 30, 2027. Fischer is in his 18th year as Esko superintendent. He was principal there for two years before taking the job as superintendent. Fischer is the second-longest serving administrator, behind A.L. Winterquist, who served 26 years. “I’m kind of proud of that,” Fischer said.

• Board members set iPad insurance rates at $23 each per year.

• Board members hired a number of new staff members and teachers for the school year, with only a couple openings left. “It’s exciting to see we’re filling in the blank spots,” said chair Jerry Frederick.

The first day of school is set for Tuesday, Sept. 5, with kindergartners starting two days later. Those youngest kids had three days of “kindercamp” this week so they could meet teachers and classmates and get to know the school.

“I think kindercamp eliminates a lot of those first-day tears,” Frederick said. “Not only for the kids, for the parents too.”