Governor Tim Walz announced a timeline to ease restrictions related to COVID-19. Though this is welcome news, our youngest students still do not have access to a vaccine. As a result, the state has announced that Minnesota’s Safe Learning Plan remains in place for all schools through the end of the school year. In addition, the health and safety measures like mask wearing, hand washing, social distancing and 14-day quarantines will remain in place through at least the last day of school.

South Washington County Schools (SoWashCo Schools) and its employee labor groups share a common interest in creating the most effective educational experience for our students. To support this goal, SoWashCo Schools has established guiding values for contract negotiations.

SoWashCo is seeking input from all secondary students (6-12) in our fifth Share Your Stories listening session. The virtual listening session, scheduled for 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, will be facilitated by Superintendent Julie Nielsen, Assistant Principal Ashley Ruka and Literacy Coordinator Leah Bulous, and will focus on the 2021-22 school year.