Cornell School Board; District moves closer to normal as year draws to close

By Ginna Young

As of the regular Cornell School Board meeting April 26, there were only 14 school days left. And in that time frame, the district is planning an awards night, Lakeland Conference Honor Society Induction, kindergarten and high school graduation ceremonies – all without the need to shut the schools down throughout the school year, because of high numbers of COVID-19 cases.

“That’s awesome,” said superintendent Paul Schley. “We’re going to get through this thing this year.”

To recognize how well the district has responded to the health emergency, Cornell is the recipient of a Friends of Chippewa County Public Health Award. Schley said the administration and the health department have been in monthly meetings since the COVID-19 pandemic started, and that they have been great to work with.

“They understand that what they put out is guidance and that we will sometimes not always follow that guidance,” said Schley, “because it doesn’t make sense for us.”

Schley says it’s likely the district won’t require masks at prom and possibly not at graduation. Meanwhile, he has heard from other districts how their health departments were not so good to work with and gave no lenience.

“ We’re still having events,” said Schley.

Another positive this year, is how much funding the school has taken in to pass along to the graduating seniors. Schley reported that the district not only received a $1,000 Gene Haas Grant they applied for to fund a scholarship for a student going into machine tools study, but also an $8,000 Gene Haas Grant for shop equipment upgrades.

Schley says at this time, he can’t share all the awards that have been received, as he is awaiting permission from the granters to release that information.

“We got a lot of grants this year,” said Schley. “It’s really nice to see.”

Something middle/high school principal Dave Elliott says is also nice, is that he met with Cornell’s new police chief, Glenn Rehberg, and that they walked through the high school building and discussed school safety.

“I had a great relationship with (former) Chief Brian Hurt and we worked well, did a lot of proactive things,” said Elliott. “It was nice to hear Chief Rehberg wanting to be proactive and do a lot of preventative partnerships, as opposed to reactive partnerships.”

Keeping with the positive note, the student council is planning teacher appreciation week May 3-7, with scones, root beer floats, candy and cupcakes for the staff, as well as “dress like a teacher” day and other fun things. Elliott said the council is a fabulous group and that he will rely on them heavily in the coming school year.

“They lead by example,” said Elliott.

In the business portion of the meeting, the board approved teacher and support staff compensation for the 2021-22 school year, as well as another year of the eSucceed Virtual Charter School agreement.

They also approved the spring sports co-op with Lake Holcombe, and the hire of assistant baseball coach Bryce Plummer and special education teacher Kayla Steinmetz.

There were also some goodbyes said, as the board agreed on the retirement of special education teacher Kerry Bjorklund and paraprofessional Holly Kinard, and the resignation of music director Bill Bocian.

Bjorklund, who has been with the district for 34 years, says she looks forward to the next chapter of her life, but admits it is difficult to leave her students.

As I look back on my teaching career, it has been an honor and a pleasure to work with many students, families and personnel in the Cornell School District, wrote Bjorklund. I have many fond memories as an educator in this district and take much pride in my accomplishments over the years.

Kinard has been with the district for 24 years, but said she realizes it is time to go. She says she appreciates the staff and administration she has worked with.

I have deeply enjoyed the time I have spent at this school, she wrote. I will miss you all.

Bocian, who has taken a position with the Gilmanton School District, said he will help the transition in any way he can.

I appreciate the opportunities you gave me and taking a chance on hiring me as your music teacher, wrote Bocian. I thank you for the growth and development you have given me for the past nine years.