Superintendent outlines emergency response to Westwood Community School fire; partners provided child care and learning supports

Superintendent Dr. Lori Putnam updated the St. Cloud Public School District Board on immediate responses and supports following the Westwood Community School fire.

“In the wake of the recent fire at Westwood Community School, our local partners moved with incredible speed to ensure our students remain safe, engaged, and supported,” Putnam told the board. She described how the district transitioned to e‑learning choice boards while staff and community partners coordinated resources for child care, nutrition and hands‑on activities.

Putnam said digital engagement was high for posted lessons and that physical learning materials were made available at the District Welcome Center and Westwood Community Church; 40 families accessed resources at the Welcome Center and three families received materials at the church. The Roosevelt Boys & Girls Club provided free emergency child care for 94 Westwood students.

Community partners facilitated enrichment opportunities as well: the Great River Children’s Museum hosted 132 Westwood students over three days, with additional family access and 34 chaperones, and the district is arranging a free field trip for Westwood pre‑K students. Putnam thanked district staff, volunteers and organizations that provided food and materials—naming contributors including Park Event Center, Jet’s Pizza, Custom Catering, Costco and the Saint Cloud Area Y.

Putnam praised volunteers and donors, noting a $1,000 challenge match from the Saint Cloud Rotary that helped leverage additional community giving. She said the district’s rapid coordination helped preserve instructional continuity and provide emotional support for families while Westwood remains closed.

Board members acknowledged staff and community response and the meeting then moved on to committee reports.