SHERBURN – The Martin County West School Board has accepted, with regret, the resignation of high school principal David Traetow.

Traetow says he believes it is time for someone else to take the reins but that he “wouldn’t trade the years he has been in Sherburn for anything.” He says he will “miss the children, students and the teachers.”

The school board approved the Martin County West Principals Association Master Agreement for one year, as they will need a new agreement next school year.

Board members reminisced about their memories as students and as board members working with Traetow. They said his door was always open to discuss the pros and cons of situations and policies. They also say he inspired confidence in students and teachers.

Superintendent Allison Schmidt thanked Traetow for his years as principal of the Junior/Senior High School and as mentor to the newer principals, Chad Brusky in Trimont and Michelle Baker at the elementary school.

The position of high school principal will be advertised this week.

Turning to other business, the board heard a report from Schmidt, who estimated district enrollment for next year at about 760 students.

She also reported that all snow days except one have been made up so far.

She noted there is a potential buyer for the Welcome school building but no negotiations have begun. Estimated repair costs at the site total $80,000.

Schmidt said lunch debt for some students has been wiped out by donations. She reminded those who have unpaid lunches to pay as soon as possible to avoid a large bill later. She noted that no child goes without a lunch if they cannot pay.

In other business, the board:

o Learned the district will seek bids for a new 71-passenger bus.

o Learned the Trimont school raised $12,000 in its Jump for Heart activity.

o Learned that Brusky held an “I Love To Read” program at the Trimont school and Kayla Zehms organized about 15 guests to read books to the children each day. They will end the month with a guest children’s book author, Daniel Bernstrom, on Tuesday. He has written “Gator Gator” and “One Day on Eucalyptus Tree.”

o Learned the next board meeting will be 5 p.m. March 16 at the Welcome school, followed by an open school board retreat at 6:15 p.m., with a possible tour of the building.