Eight teachers were re-hired by Bemidji Area Schools during their meeting Monday.
District staff advised the board that thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan–the third round of COVID-19 related relief funding from the federal government– they were able to address class size concerns going into the next school year.
One reading intervention teacher’s position was cut during this meeting.
Central Elementary School was also officially declared as surplus property and available for lease.
The district opted to close the school and make several other program reductions after issues around a loss of enrollment, a failed referendum, and the costs of the COVID-19 pandemic, not to mention the rising inflation.
These issues and others have created the need for the district to cut $5.6 million from their budget.
About $4 million in cuts and adjustments have already been made.
Bemidji High School’s commencement ceremony will be a drive-through event again this year, as schools are required to follow the Safe Learning Plan, and will parade through town next Saturday at 9 a.m.
