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   Superintendent and high school principal Mary Yakibchuk shared a story about a student’s excellent reaction to an unfortunate circumstance during their regular meeting on May 15. On a regular evening bus route, the driver experienced a medical emergency. Instead of the dozen students becoming chaotic, one junior, Alexis Anderson took control of the situation immediately. She was able to get all of the kids back into their seats while she stayed with the driver and helped contact paramedics. She ran to her house to grab first-aid, helped the remaining students file into another bus and even had the parents sign out their children. It can be said that Anderson’s leadership in this situation was beneficial and prevented chaos from breaking out on the bus. The board recognized her actions for assisting during this emergency.

   Master Gardeners Matt and Laura Moraczewski gave a presentation regarding the Remer Community Garden. Matt and Laura have developed the community garden to be the largest giving garden in the State of Minnesota. In 2020, the garden began donating food to local food shelves including Walker, Remer and Longville. Over 10,000 pounds of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables have been donated to local food shelves since 2020.

   The idea of a partnership between the school district and the garden was highlighted. The community garden is located close to the school, and the construction of a walking path between the two was elaborated on. Matt brought up the idea of educational signs identifying plants and trees on the walk to inform students more about what is in their backyard.

   Another idea that Laura brought to the board was supplying more fruits and vegetables to the school to add to school lunches. The two also mentioned adding a curriculum from the University of Minnesota for elementary age students informing them on eating healthy and how to incorporate exercise into their everyday life. Board Chair Marc Ruyak expressed interest in the partnership and agreed to continue conversation on the topic at a later date.

   The school board recognized Dale Pound for his nine years of service and Jackie Kitchenhoff for her 29 years of service and congratulated them on their retirements. Congratulations were given to Mrs. Kendall and Mrs. Shepard for receiving  Educator of Excellence awards from Sourcewell this year. Mrs. Shepard was also awarded the Teacher of Excellence and the Pillar of Excellence awards. Congratulations was also given to Raina Boucher for being awarded Northland Community Schools Teacher of the Year for 2023-24.

   In other Board action:

   • Certified the graduating class of 2024 and recognized McKinna McKinney as Valedictorian and Dylan Schwarz as Salutatorian.

   • Approved Fall, Winter and Spring coaches and Advisors for the 2024-25 school year.

   • Accepted donations from the Outing Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $500 for Prom, $15 from the Family of a student wishing to remain anonymous for High School Student Leadership, $100 from David and Sharon Rouse for the Trap Club, $250 from Big Foot Gas and Gifts for prom and Crow Wing Power for a $1,500 scholarship.

   •  Called for bids for milk, propane and snow removal for 2024-25 with a bid opening on June 11, 2024.

   •  Approved the 2024-25 service agreement between Northland Community Schools and Interquest Detection Canines.

   •  Approved the purchase of a used bus for $18,000 from Grand Rapids School District.

   •  Called for bids for court resurfacing for the multi-use court project.

   •  Approved the hire of Courtney Christenson as Cross Country Head Coach for the 2024-25 school year; Christine Nihart as Little Sand Learning Center Program Coordinator effective the 2024-25 school year and Carol Procopio as Junior High Leadership Advisor for the 2024-25 school year.

   • Approved the Memorandum of Understanding to extend the probationary period of Lisa Holm

   • Approved adding a 1.0 FTE Food Service staff as 0.5 Kitchen Helper and 0.5 Cafeteria Cleaner.

   •  Approved reducing three Paraprofessional positions beginning the 2024-25 school year.

   • Approved the posting of a Behavior Interventionist Paraprofessional and a Bus Driver and Mechanic position.

   •  Held discussion regarding Strategic Planning, READ Act LETRS and Professional Development.

   The board has scheduled the following meetings: the regular meeting, Wed., June 12 at 5:30 p.m. All meetings are held at Northland High School.

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