School in Cook County, and everywhere else, up to now has certainly seen its fair share of challenges for staff, parents and students. While the global pandemic may have thrown a wrench into normal plans, it seems that even in these unprecedented times, hope for a successful and productive calendar year is in the air for ISD #166.
This was the mood felt during the January 7 school board meeting, the first for 2021. This public meeting was held via Zoom and all board members were in attendance.
Introductions were made by Board Chair Dan Shirley and new School Board member Stephanie Radloff was sworn in for her first official meeting. New student board member, Olivia Nesgoda, was also welcomed. Ms. Nesgoda, a junior, was applauded as the perfect choice for the student representative spot by the entire school board, as well as by Acting Superintendent Megan Myers. All regarded Olivia to be both a well-rounded student and a model citizen.
Additionally, new hire Kevin Anderson received approval for the fulltime position of District Technology Coordinator. The position of “Dean of Students” has been posted but had not yet been filled at the time of the January 7 board meeting. Additional job requirement information can be found within the regular agenda.
Policies and Procedures related to Indian Students residing on Indian lands were reviewed and approved by the board. The following is from the regular board agenda: It is the intent of the Cook County School District (ISD 166) that all Indian children of school age have equal access to all programs, services, and activities offered within the school district. To this end, the Cook County School District will consult with Grand Portage Tribal Officials and parents of Indian children in the planning and development of Indian Policies and Procedures (IPPs), general education programs and activities. These policies and procedures will be reviewed annually, and revisions will be made within 90 days of the determination that requirements are not being adequately met. Assurances, policies 1-6 and procedures can be read in their entirety in the Regular School Board Agenda for January 7, 2021.
All public school grade levels currently remain on remote instruction.
School board meetings are held the third Thursday of each month, only excluding the month of October, when the meeting will fall on the last Thursday. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 18, at 5 p.m.
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