Students urge textbook replacements, report choir growth and large class sizes at Bemidji High

Student representatives from Bemidji High School reported several items to the school board on Sept. 15, citing curriculum needs, extracurricular growth and classroom capacity concerns.

A student speaker said some high school math textbooks are "older than I am, which is 17 years old," and urged the board to prioritize math textbook replacement. The presenter noted the district plans to replace math textbooks in February but asked that curriculum budget cuts not be made before replacement.

"Math textbooks are the most used, and due to age, they are falling apart," the student said, adding a request that curriculum budget cuts be avoided so textbooks do not remain in use for extended periods.

Student reporters also said the choir program grew from about 140 students last year to more than 200 this year; the acapella choir was selected as one of four groups to sing at the MMEA event in February. Another student noted that many core classes are near capacity: "most of my core classes have about 40 kids in them," which the students said is straining classroom space and resources.

Students outlined upcoming student events including the first-ever homecoming dance Sept. 20, an activities parade downtown, a women's flag football game, pep fest and the Bemidji vs. Brainerd football game at BSU Stadium. They also said there will be no school on Sept. 29 for a staff development day.

The board acknowledged the reports and the district later reiterated the curriculum cycle and the importance of staying on schedule to avoid higher long-term replacement costs.