May 1 Update

I would like to recognize six teachers who are retiring this year: Sharon Keller, 5th grade, 39 years of service; Gail Savage, special education, 38 years of service; John Zerull, social studies, 38 years of service; Jan Christophersen, 4th grade, 31 years of service; Brad Hagen, vocal music, 31 years of service; Leo Popischal, special education, 24 years of service. (Leo is leaving the district to finish his career teaching in China); Barb Stevens, paraprofessional 13 years of service. These staff members have all made great contributions to the education of students at Delano Public Schools and I congratulate them on their contributions and retirement.

We will also be missing seven other teachers who are leaving the district at the end of the year and we appreciate their contributions as well: Melissa Baker, high school science; Aileen Cahill, grade 4; Quinn Ebert, middle school math; Jesse Hackenmueller, middle school physical education; Rochelle Lindberg, grade 6; Amy Kelly, high school special education; and Dr. Aixue Wang, Chinese.

At the school board meeting on April 26 the board approved adding Chinese language to our online offerings as an alternative to hiring a full or part-time teacher to accommodate the students with interests in Chinese language and culture. This action was preceded by a great presentation on the trip student and faculty made during spring break to our sister school in China. We will again have visitors from Tanguu, China in June.

In other action at the April 26 meeting the board gave approval for the design of a parking lot at 789 Tiger Drive, across the street from Delano Elementary with about 64 parking spaces. This is in response to concerns about students parking on Elm Avenue. There are several advantages to placing a parking lot at this location. 1) It will serve a future building at the site and 2) it will provide over-flow parking for the elementary and hockey arena. This was the preferred site after consulting with students and residents of Elm Avenue. If things go as planned the board will consider bids for this project at the June 28 meeting with completion about August 13. This will be funded from the Capital Outlay Fund reserve with an estimated budget of $120,000.

As the school year begins to draw to a close we reflect on all the great work of our students and staff as well as the great support they receive from parents. Thank you for a great school year.

John Sweet, Superintendent

Follow Up to Threat

At the end of the school day on Monday the Wright County Sheriff's Department, with the assistance of a State Trooper and bomb sniffing dog, did a thorough search of the middle school and high school. No bomb was found.

Today all students and staff were given a search similiar to what you experience at the Metrodome or Target Field. No contraband was found.

We are having discussion about the advisability of holding these bag searches on a random basis throughout the school year to impress on people that we are taking measures to keep the school buildings safe.

NOTICE

Today a note was found written on tissue paper in one of the bathrooms in the high school with the word “bomb” written on it. Wright County authorities were immediately notified and an investigation is underway. Wright County authorities believe this to be a very low level threat, however all threats are taken seriously and precautionary measures are being taken.

At the close of school today Delano Middle School, Delano High School and the Tiger Activity Center will be closed until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday so that Wright County authorities can conduct a thorough search of both the Middle School and High School. This action does not include Delano Elementary or the Community Education Building.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, April 20) all students and staff at the Middle School and High School will go through a routine bag search with law enforcement and school officials stationed at each of the entrances beginning at 7:00 a.m.

Delano Middle School and High School students are receiving a letter at the end of the day today explaining where to enter the building on Tuesday.

As a reminder, Delano High School will be conducting a mock car crash at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday on Tiger Drive. This event will include the presence of a number of emergency vehicles including a helicopter.

I thank everyone for their patience as we deal with the safety concerns on the campus.