The Northland Pines school district will try to provide options for senior graduation. District Administrator Scott Foster said “I'm looking up to three options knowing there is always the chance it won't work for some families and some kids.” Foster spoke recently to the district policy committee. "My first thoughts are for graduation ceremonies in late June or early July at the school. Second, if that falls through, we may hold a virtual option in the parking lot in cooperation with the radio station. We could look at a number of dates and have students pick up their diplomas off a table. Lastly, during Christmas break we could do a graduation.”
Foster admitted there would be students away at college, at work somewhere, or in the military that could not attend, but “we live in a strange time and we should try to get feedback from the seniors.”
Board member Becky Nordine favored the first option in summer but board member Jeff Shenk felt the current COVID-19 “won't go away until we have a vacine” with any date always having a virtual component. Board member Chris Petreikis didn't like the winter date and suggested an inquiry be made to students and parents. Foster said the board will have to make some decision when they meet April 27. He expects from 105 to 110 students will receive diplomas.
The school calendar options for the 2020-21 school year were also discussed with Foster indicating the school board could ask for a waiver to start school early. “While the state has indicated waiver requests for less hours this school year will be allowed, to ask for other waivers may not be,” he said. “We could ask for a one year waiver to start school early, at least one or maybe two weeks early, for one year rather than current starting date having to be after Sept. 1,” Foster said. “We could spread out the required 180 days differently, but have to balance the needs of both students and teachers.”
Foster was directed to obtain feedback from local chambers of commerce on starting one week prior to Sept 1.
