During the Blue Earth Area School Board meeting Tuesday night, Superintendent Mandy Fletcher reported that overall enrollment is up at the district for the fourth year in a row.
The enrollment for Kindergarten through 12th grade was at 1,045, up six students from the previous year. She also noted that the number of students qualifying for free and reduced meals is up to 52% of the enrollment, which is up from 39.3% a year ago.
Fletcher said there are many reasons for this, including the fact that all meals at the school were free last year for all students. There is also an easier way to qualify this year for families on Medicaid.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the board accepted a donation of $1,600 from the Buc Pride Committee, which will be used to help pay for the new vinyl decal window project at the high school.
The board approved several personnel item, including the resignation of paraprofessional Nick Nuerohr and the hiring of paraprofessionals Lezette Leal, Leanna Casias and Jason Casias.