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Martin County West weighs Welcome site repairs

SHERBURN — Martin County West School Board learned more about problems at the Welcome school building this week. The board met by teleconference.

Superintendent Alison Schmidt and board member Ryan Baker said there soon will be a video available on the school website about the needed repairs.

The head custodian, health and safety personnel, and the board’s buildings and grounds committee made the video as a tour of the building and called it “eye-opening.”

Some of the repairs needed involve the boilers, the northwest hallway, girls locker room, former board meeting room and leaking in the tunnel. The repairs are estimated to cost more than $80,000, and will make it difficult for the summer gymnastics camps to be held.

The board decided to communicate with the gymnastics coaches again and the public. The coaches will be asked to suggest alternative practice areas and sites for the camps.

Baker said that if anyone wants a tour, he will be available.

In other business, Schmidt noted there is an education bill in the Legislature and she will monitor its progress. School districts are bracing for tax impacts of the pandemic, and there will be 30 fewer students at Martin County West next year. This stems from a combination of fewer kindergarten students entering and some families moving out of the district.

The district does have an emergency fund balance.

Dean of students David Traetow reported there are hopes to have a graduation/awards program in May. Credit recovery/summer school may be held in August.

In other action, the board:

o Hired Nathan Klima as athletics/events director and as a teacher for next year. Abbey Smith was hired as dean of students for next year. Michelle Baker was hired as assistant principal for the junior/senior high school.

o Approved purchases including a 71-passenger bus for $72,000.

o Approved plans to conduct future meetings through teleconferencing as long as needed. Residents can watch meetings on YouTube Live Link-Zoom.

o Accepted with thanks donations from the city of Trimont for summer recreation, Donlar Construction for technology items and St. Paul’s UCC Women’s Guild for elementary and junior/senior high students in need.

o Learned the next school board meeting will be 6:30 p.m. May 18.

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