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The agenda and presentation item for North Branch Superintendent Sara Paul last week covered the development of policy.  It may not be an invigorating topic, but in today’s world, maintaining  policy is at the top of to-do lists for schools.  School districts in Minnesota have extensive policy mandates and additional requirements for updating the wording and issues addressed in policy.  North Branch school board members select a few policies every year for review, and completely cycles through all its policies every three years to make sure they are relevant and that mandatory rules are current.

Supt. Paul spoke of how the goal is:  “for district policy to align with practice.”  

The irony then, was not lost on the school board audience, when two parents spoke in public comment describing racist bullying and harassment and accused the district of not addressing traumatic situations and threats this family has encountered.  

The father of one of the alleged victims, just age 10, declared he came to tell the school board that “...whatever needs to get done, must be done.”  The issue was brought to administration’s attention last year, it was explained.  He is now strongly suggesting, “you see it gets handled.”

The superintendent had just spoken about safety in North Branch schools being identified as the “priority policy.”

“We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students and staff,” the board’s presentation stated. Harassment and bullying are taken seriously, the superintendent had said. 

Students in grades 6-12 sign affirmations they have read and understand expectations about behavior.

School Board Chair Tim MacMillan told the parents the board will “circle back” with them on the district response to their concerns. 

The Board room was again standing-room-only due to members of North Branch Education Association pressing their message on the need for contracts to be settled. As of the meeting date, the instructors had worked 223 days without a contract.  The School Board met to discuss contract terms Feb, 13 and has another negotiations meeting scheduled Feb. 26.

The Board meeting included a treat: with a healing dance performance done by a first grade boy, accompanied by area tribal elder Joe BigBear, who sang and drummed. 

The traditional dance was tied to an annual report presented, with a “vote of concurrence’ approving the American Indian programming in North Branch. This  is submitted to the state.  The population of enrolled First Nation students in North Branch #138 is at sufficient numbers for developing a district program.  Ben Paro, North Branch music teacher, is advisor.  There are many Native peoples’ traditions that the district’s Parent Advisory Council is working towards making available during school day studies and  events of public outreach.  Paro thanked all the community members who have supported the North Branch committee’s efforts, adding the Office of Teaching & Learning’s David Treichel has been outstanding. 

Chef Tony Menk is going to be leading sessions at the high school culinary classes Feb. 28 and is scheduled to sample and explain types of  fruit to early education center classrooms Feb. 29. Menk is regional chef for Taher Dining, which is contracted to run the North Branch nutrition program.

The Board reminds North Branch families to participate in a survey right now, online at https://bit.ly/48YLyil or find the link on the district site at www.isd138.org.  Taher seeks response on questions about its service, menus, etc.

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