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Superintendent: district to seek transportation bids, faces insurance cost pressure; NLA site uncertain
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Michael Carey told the board the transportation subcommittee recommended posting an RFP for student-transportation services next year, the district's health-insurance usage was about 110% (raising renewal concerns), a previously promising Northern Lights Academy site may not be for sale, and the district reiterated protocols for handling immigration-enforcement requests at schools.
Superintendent Dr. Michael Carey briefed the Cloquet Public School District board on several operational matters at the Jan. 12 meeting, including transportation contracting, insurance-cost trends, a potential Northern Lights Academy facility and guidance for building leaders on immigration-enforcement encounters.
Transportation: After a one-year contract extension with Cloquet Transit, the transportation subcommittee recommended the district post a request for proposals next year so the board can review bids and decide whether to extend the current contract or award a new one. "It doesn't mean that we are changing. It just means we're gonna look at all of our options," Carey said, adding the timeline was accelerated because of holidays and meeting spacing.
Insurance: Carey said the district's health-insurance usage rate returned about 110 percent — roughly 20 points above the 80–90% range administrators consider desirable — which could drive a significant premium increase at renewal. "Our usage rate came back at, what was it, a 110%? So 20% above what we would hope," Carey said. The administration said it will work with the district’s insurance consultant to determine whether to seek bids.
Northern Lights Academy: The facility committee met with the Northern Lights Academy leadership about a previously identified site; administration reported they did not detect strong interest in selling that facility. The committee will continue exploring options and could consider building a new facility if the legislature provides sufficient matching funds.
Immigration enforcement guidance: In light of regional enforcement events, administrators reiterated guidance to principals that district staff should not allow questioning or removal of students without written parental consent or a judicial subpoena; administrative subpoenas from agency staff are not sufficient, Carey said. The district has shared legal advice with building leaders and directed principals on the limited circumstances under which a student may be taken for questioning while under district care.
Staffing: Administration explained home-based instruction (a disciplinary or placement measure) differs from medically required homebound instruction; home-based students are to receive a minimum of five hours of instruction per week. The district is recruiting a home-based teacher to fill a recent vacancy.
Carey also highlighted facility projects including roofing and upcoming plumbing and electrical work. He said a recent roofing contract was about $1.7 million and the Washington plumbing project will be bid in February.
