Which school district in Grand Rapids area? (Keewatin, Nashwauk: teaching jobs, community college)

[snowblind9]

I will be relocating to the Grand Rapids area within the next month. I have two school age children. Is there a better school district over another. It will make a difference on whether I live in Grand Rapids or surrounding towns. Can anyone tell me if there are any benefits of Grand Rapids over Greenway, Hill City or Nashwauk?

[MidniteBreeze]

Grand Rapids is the largest district in the area by far, thus they're able to offer a wider variety of classes, sports, activities, etc. They also have the newest facilities overall (the new middle school was built a few years ago.) Disadvantages include an overall higher staff/student ratio (for example, the 2 counselors at the high school each have over 700 kids on their caseloads.)

Hill City is the smallest district you mentioned so the advantages/disadvantages are pretty much the opposite of a larger district. They don't have as many sports/activites but kids have much more opportunity to participate in the ones they do have. Their secondary school is a 7-12 facillity, so the teachers really have the opportunity to build strong relationships with their students over that span of 6 years.

Greenway is the second-largest district you mentioned. They are currently working their way out of statutory debt with the state, so they do have some budget issues. Things are looking up though...I worked with their new superindented when she headed VITAL (a local online learning collaborative between area districts) and she's great. Really has a good vision for that district and a LOT of energy!

My husband started teaching in Nashwauk-Keewatin this year. (Size wise it's bigger than Hill City but smaller than Greenway...they also have a 7-12 secondary facility.) So far it has been a positive experince for him A new mining/processing operation is coming to town in the near future, so things are quite optimistic economically in that community.

I think I may have mentioned this in your other thread, but I think you'll find quality teachers in any district you choose around here. Teaching jobs "up north" are hard to come by, so as a parent "consumer" that's good news for you since districts can be picky about who they hire...as oppoesed to some parts of the country where they're practically BEGGING people to teach! There is little teacher turnover in this area and that kind of stability is almost always good for kids (barring the occasional cranky old "old school" teacher who refuses to retire, lol.)

The great thing about districts in this area is their willingness to work together and share resources while still maintaining their individual community identities. Grand Rapids, Deer River, Greenway, Nashwauk, Hill City, Floodwood, Northland (Remer) and Itasca Community College all belong to an organization called IASC (Itasca Area Schools Collbaborative.) They have a website at iasc.k12.mn.us if you want to check that out. Some of their programs inlude VITAL (the online learning program), the annual career fair at ICC, community ed and staff development (teachers from the whole IASC organization have at least one common staff development day a year in Grand Rapids where they have access to higher qaulity presenters/programs due to having pooled their resources.)

[golfgal]

I would agree that Grand Rapids is probably the best choice based on experiences in other rural, small districts. If they are too small they just can't offer the variety of courses, activities, etc. for students.

The nice thing about Minnesota is it does have statewide open enrollment so if you decide on Grand Rapids and don't like it after a year or whatever, you can apply to open enroll your kids into another district without having to move. The negative with this is that you have to provide transportation for your children but most people figure out a way to make that work.

Grand Rapids has a pretty good music program and one of the better marching band programs in the state. Generally a healthy fine arts department usually means a pretty healthy school (financially). That is all I know specifically about the district though.

[MidniteBreeze]

Originally Posted by golfgal

The nice thing about Minnesota is it does have statewide open enrollment so if you decide on Grand Rapids and don't like it after a year or whatever, you can apply to open enroll your kids into another district without having to move. The negative with this is that you have to provide transportation for your children but most people figure out a way to make that work.

Yes, I forgot to mention open enrollment. There's a bit of paperwork involved, but the districts around here (again, in the spirit of cooperation) have a "gentleman's" agreement and won't give parents much resistance if they choose to open enroll elsewhere (even though the resident district obviously loses money if you pull your kids out.) The district you want to enroll in will usually let you know where their closest bus pick up point is and you would be responsible for getting your kids there (of course you can always drive them yourself too.)

If you really want to get a feel for the various districts, I would recommend visiting first. Make an appointment to talk to the principal and/or counselor and take a walk around. Most schools will be happy to assist you. (We've had more than one "prospective" family in our school who were new to the area and in your situation.) Of course they may try to "sell" you their district as they do want your "business", but they will answer your questions honestly.

Good luck!