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Principals report steady enrollment, 143 elementary ELL students and early-year activities
Summary
School leaders reported the district's elementary ELL program has 143 students (16 graduated last year), staffing hires and openings were outlined, and homecoming and student activities were previewed.
Principals and administrators reported steady early-year operations at the Pelican Rapids Public Schools, with leaders highlighting enrollment, English language-learning (ELL) numbers, staffing needs and fall events.
"We have a total of 143 students right now in the elementary ELL program, and our ELL staff does a wonderful job with those students," Principal Nelson said, adding that 16 students graduated from the ELL program last spring. Nelson also noted the district completed its first of five required annual fire drills and that letters curriculum materials arrived late; teachers will begin training and are expected to complete Unit 1 of the letters curriculum by Nov.1.
Jan Schewski said building-level priorities this year are captured by the GROW theme (with an emphasis on rigor, opportunities and wellness), and reported attendance up slightly to 393. Schewski described staff wellness activities and student-leadership plans for homecoming week. Mr. Gordon and building leaders said homecoming activities run Sept.30 through Oct.5, with the Viking Gala scheduled for Oct.5 and coronation in the fine arts center.
Mr. Martinez summarized staffing and vendor items in the treasurer's report: total investments on hand were reported at about $5,700,000, with overall cash on hand (investments plus checking) near $5,800,000; accounts payable was described as "just a little over 400 ks" and payroll about $413,000. Martinez also explained WEX (a third-party administrator for health-savings and flexible spending accounts) and an Educator Benefits Consultant that administers 403(b) and Roth contributions for eligible employees.
Administrators outlined hiring needs and personnel changes: approved hires for special education paraprofessionals at the elementary (Melissa Berg; Alissa/Alissa Hepburn), an approved hire listed as Brody/Brodie Sutter for special ed transportation/support, and open positions for part-time evening custodians, substitute teachers, paraprofessionals and bus drivers. The board was asked to share candidate leads for those openings.
Board members asked for more demographic breakdowns of who participates in advanced coursework and PSEO offerings; administrators said reporting practices vary and some hybrid/dual-enrollment classes (an ECID-style hybrid PSEO course) are expanding. The board did not take additional action on these items at the meeting.
