Gymnasium work at the Coon Rapids-Bayard school has been put on hold, but Superintendent, Eric Trager, says it is still at the forefront of short-term plans.
Even though the students coming back to classes on Monday, Aug. 23 won’t see any physical changes, there will be some other programs that provide access to a variety of learning options.
They are also developing a work-based program giving employed teens the ability to get credit for the experience. There are five new teachers, five new paraeducators and a new Elementary Principal, Brianna Maschman, this year. The entire staff is back in this week, getting oriented through today (Thursday) and then having a long weekend to gear up for the start of the year. Masks are not required but can certainly be worn by those who have concerns. The mask issue for busing, Trager says, is a bit more complicated for administrators.
They do not want to have separate rules for buses than those for the building and they learned the state mandate is enforceable and the CDC mandate is not. In looking to next week, the entire staff is excited for a more normal year. Trager’s message to his team is “let’s get back to the core of what we do and put some of the issues dealt with last year behind us with hope for the future and a positive attitude.” They are also excited to welcome back students and their families.
There will be a special election for the district on Sept. 14. Trager explains the two questions on the ballot. The Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) renewal is asking for an extension of the $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed value initiated in the 1990s. And a revenue purpose statement gives the voters a chance to direct the use of Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) tax funds.
