Concerns For Public Schools

Moorhead Public School staff share their concerns for their students.

Minnesota Education Commissioner Brenda Cassellius hosted a listening session and will soon meet with the Governor.

There were two main topics that were hit on at the session. One being critical to staff and the topic could be surprising to parents.

Commissioner Cassellius says for Moorhead Schools she sees at least one thing that should be addressed.

“The thing that concerns me is the lack of space, and so hopefully we can figure out ways we can help them and increase their space,”
Commissioner Cassellius

This is nothing new to the community to find out but there is one thing that is rather shocking. The lack of substitute teachers.

Ellen Hopkin’s Elementary on average has had one teacher out every day so far this year.

The school then has to fill in those spots with special reading teachers, and it’s hurting those who are losing those educators.

Principal Ryan Ladage of the elementary said, “Those are the kids that need the extra reading or language support he most, so when they lose out on that days worth of instruction it’s kind of a double whammy for us.”

Why the lack? Minnesota has a high standard for licensing and bordering North Dakota means more competition.

With student’s main teachers out of school, it could affect your child’s overall experience.

Kari Yates of the districts Literacy and English Learners said, “Having a quality teacher in front of our students is the number one way we ensure a quality education.”

I did ask if there were any ideas on how to alleviate the lack of substitutes there has been nothing found yet.