Latest news with #MockTrial
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bemidji school board approves increases in student activity fees, admission
May 20—BEMIDJI — As graduation quickly approaches, the final Bemidji Area Schools Board of Education meeting of the 2024-2025 school year saw considerable discussion on increases for fees to participate in sports and fine arts activities, as well as admission fees for the next school year. On the heels of $1.5 million in reductions decided during an April 28 meeting, the board has not only looked at making reductions, but also increasing revenues. "As we look into trying to balance our budget as a goal of the school board, we had to look at increasing our fees because our costs are increasing, as well," Superintendent Jeremy Olson said. "We also wanted to balance that with our strategic goal of making sure that participation in our rich assortment of activities is feasible to parents and that we have avenues for individuals who can't afford it." Generally, changes include a $1 increase for admission fees for certain events. Activity fees for Tier 1 sports — often more costly to deliver — will increase from $190 to $210, while Tier 2 will see an increase from $150 to $170. Additionally, boys and girls golf will be moved from Tier 2 to become a Tier 1 sport. "Not all sports and activities cost the district the same," Olson added. "If you're in a more costly sport and even though it's subsidized by the school district to a great degree, Tier 1 is still going to be a little higher (in out-of-pocket cost) than Tier 2. That's why they're broken up." Fine arts fees will increase from $110 to $120 for Tier 1 fine arts — show choir, La Voce Ballo, speech and debate — and Tier 2 activities will be an increase from $90 to $105, affecting activities such as Knowledge Bowl, Mock Trial and marching band, among others. Middle-schoolers will also see an increase from $110 to $125 per activity. Amid concerns regarding affordability, the board discussed the current policy, which aims to ensure that a student can still participate if unable to pay a fee. "I hate to increase fees, but sports aren't cheap," board clerk Jenny Frenzel said. "If it makes anybody feel better, we have the right to waive any fee if a parent or guardian is unable to pay. I feel a lot better that we're never going to turn anybody away." Policy also states that students who qualify for free and reduced lunches pay a $30 fee for all sports and activities. Moreover, veterans and guests over 65 years of age can obtain a complimentary lifetime activity pass at the district office. After more discussion, the board unanimously approved a first reading of the new policy. Along similar lines, the board also approved its annual membership in the Minnesota State High School League. "This (resolution) is about being a member of the league, not saying that we agree with every single one of its stances," Olson explained. "This is really about participation and making sure that our kids have an opportunity to participate." This renewal is the first following U.S. President Donald Trump's Feb. 5 executive order banning transgender students from competing in girls' and women's sports nationwide. The MSHSL announced thereafter that it would continue to allow transgender participation in girls' sports, arguing that their eligibility is determined by state law, the Minnesota Human Rights Act and the state constitution. Given these developments, board chair Dave Wall expressed support for MSHSL membership despite personal opposition to the MSHSL's stance. "Before any federal executive orders came, I expressed concern about boys playing in girls' sports and I am not ashamed to say that publicly. However, I do not feel that I'd want to inhibit or punish the kids in our school district by voting against membership," Wall said, "because I value the good side of sports and everything they do for kids throughout the state." Board treasurer Ann Long Voelkner noted her support for the MSHSL, adding, "I really appreciate their attention and opportunities for students to learn how to lose a game respectfully and how the winning team treats people. That will help kids moving into the future because we're not always going to win all the time." The board then unanimously approved MSHSL membership for the upcoming school year. District Curriculum Director Colleen Cardenuto presented graduation rate data for the class of 2024, which saw a district-wide decline from 77.6% in 2023 to 74.8% last year. A total of 288 students out of 385 graduated within four years, while 53 dropped out and 23 continued to earn their diplomas beyond a four-year timeline. Students receiving free and reduced lunches came in below the district average and also experienced a decrease from 2023's graduation rate of 61.2% to 60.6%. Male students experienced a sharper decline from 2023 compared to their female counterparts. Males in 2024 graduated at 71.4% compared to 75.6% in 2023, and 2024 females graduated at 78.3% compared to 79.4% in 2023. American Indian graduates experienced a rate increase from 2023, clocking in at 53.1% from 52% respectively. Given a mixed bag of results amid a historic statewide increase, Olson noted certain steps the district is taking to change course, particularly with data collection and reporting. "Sometimes, when a student moves out of state or goes to another school, if we can't identify that with the Minnesota Department of Education, that gets counted against us," Olson said. "We should also look at systematic changes and what those look like. What should alternative education look like? How do we support our students? How do we make sure that student achievement and academics are infused in our entire system?" District Business Director Ashley Eastridge presented an overview of the district's summer capital projects schedule, showing roughly $515,300 in expenses funded by long-term facilities maintenance funds and operating capital. Eastridge noted that LTFM funds are used for deferred capital expenditures and maintenance projects that prevent further erosion of facilities, increasing accessibility of school facilities and health and safety projects. The schedule also serves as a planning document that changes on a regular basis. "The 10-year plan incorporates a district-wide, long-term schedule for roof replacement and parking lot seal coating/overlay, as well as many other items. Then, we reduce the projects to a more current window and assign a budget of approximately $1.3 million each fiscal year," Eastridge said. "In the short term, some projects are deferred and some new ones are added." Specific upcoming projects include LED lighting retrofit at Horace May and J.W. Smith Elementaries as well as the district office, resurfacing the indoor running track at Bemidji High School, and replacing walk-in cooler condensing units in the BHS kitchen. The full meeting can be viewed on the Bemidji Area Schools YouTube channel. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16, in the district board room.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MN-C February 2025 Student of the Month: Cameron Barker
Where do you want to go to college and why? One of my greatest aspirations is to attend The University of Tulsa College of Law and become a lawyer dedicated to helping others, especially our minority communities in Oklahoma that barely get any representation. Though the path ahead is long, I'm starting my journey at Eastern Oklahoma State College, using it as a stepping stone to turn my dreams into reality. What is your list of Accomplishments? I've achieved recognition as a National Honor Society member, Best Attorney in Mock Trial, Principal's Honor Roll recipient, and Superior rating in Solo-Ensemble District. I've also excelled as Top Geometry Student, Honorable Carpentry Member, Rotary Student of the Month, and Student of the Month (February 2025). Scholarships include $700 (NSU), $800 (UCO), and $1,000 (Mock Trial), showcasing my dedication and academic skills. What drives you to succeed? One of my greatest motivations is addressing the injustices people face within justice systems. Learning about the Cho Doo-soon case opened my eyes to how unfairly the system treated the victim. Ever since, I've been inspired to succeed in order to fight against such inequities and advocate for the protection of our youth and women. Who inspires you to excel in school and why? One of my biggest inspirations are my parents. My parents have always inspired me to achieve higher than them and to never be ashamed of my capabilities. As they started in a world that didn't accept them, they slowly built their own way up to show that they are not to be looked down upon. This resilience has pushed me to further my education and to succeed in my own way. What community activities are you involved in and what drives you to give back to the community? I have participated in many community activities, such as blood drives, community egg hunts, and backpack drives. However, one of my favorite events to take part in is the OSSA competition held in McAlester. Many people dedicate their time to help young artists showcase their skills, and their commitment inspired me to do the same. I truly enjoy seeing the effort and creativity that both the artists and volunteers bring to these competitions What are your extracurricular activities and how do they improve your education? Joining the McAlester Mock Trial team in high school helped me overcome stage fright and build confidence. Slowly, as I was forced to come out of my shell, I learned how to be more outgoing and not let others walk over me. I made more friends, and with all the mock trial deadlines, I stayed on top of everything academically since I wanted to go far in my studies while enjoying my time for extracurriculars.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump Lobs Dodgy 'Conflict Of Interest' Accusation At Judge Who Tried To Halt Migrant Deportations
President Donald Trump screamed 'conflict of interest' while going after the judge who temporarily ordered he halt migrant deportations done under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The chief executive continued his attacks on Judge James E. Boasberg in a Saturday night post on Truth Social, sharing a group photo that showed the jurist standing besides former Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, and six other people. 'SUCH A CONFLICT OF INTEREST!' Trump wrote in all caps. The accusation was thin at best. The photo was simply from Boasberg and Emhoff's time participating in the Shakespeare Theatre Company's Mock Trial in Washington, D.C., in 2022 and did nothing to indicate the duo knew each other outside of the event, in either a professional or social capacity. Trump began to direct his ire at Boasberg last weekend, almost immediately after the judge ordered a flight deporting a group of Venezuelan immigrants to El Salvador to be stopped. Though Trump ignored the order, that didn't stop him from lashing out at Boasberg online, where he dubbed him a 'troublemaker and agitator' while calling for his impeachment. The outburst was enough to make the Supreme Court's Chief Justice John Robertsrebuke the president in a statement, where he reminded him that impeachment was 'not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.' Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts Rebukes Trump In Rare Statement Trump Ramps Up Attacks On Judges, Calls Out Justice John Roberts Federal Judge Clashes With DOJ Lawyers As Possible 'Constitutional Crisis' Looms
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Woodbury teen killed in Friday crash ‘so beloved' by all who knew her
A Woodbury teen who died in a car crash last week was remembered Monday as a 'beloved' member of her school community with a generous, contagious and authentic smile. Elizabeth 'Libby' Radecki, 17, died in a car crash Friday in West Lakeland Township. One of the teachers at St. Croix Preparatory Academy, which Radecki attended said that the 17-year-old was 'so beloved!' 'She had the most contagious, authentic smile, and she was generous with it. Her optimism and enthusiasm brightened every space she entered, and our small community feels her loss profoundly,' said Elaine Bransford, the Upper School Teaching and Learning Coordinator at the school. Radecki had many interests, Bransford said, including Mock Trial 'where she dominated the courtroom,' the philosophy club 'where she raised profound and interesting questions about the world' and track and field, which she had been missing since being sidelined by an injury. In addition, Radecki had a 'deep and authentic faith,' she said. 'The unimaginable loss of this brilliant, inspiring young woman has shaken us deeply. There simply are not the right words to express to her family how saddened we are by this tragedy, and how grateful we are that you allowed us the privilege of knowing Elizabeth Radecki,' Bransford said in an email. Camp Daniel, a Wisconsin church camp where she volunteered as a counselor posted about her on social media, saying 'Libby was someone who was easy to love. She had a big, bright, loving personality. With a servant's heart and a positive attitude, she embraced every task, whether scrubbing toilets or caring for her camper. She made countless friendships and left a lasting impact on those around her.' Her mother responded to that post and commented how important the camp had been to the teen. In her own post, her mother, Dawn Radecki said, 'Words cannot express our family's brokenness. Thank you to our village for all of the love and support and Rest in Peace until we're all united again in Christ my Libby Lu.' Shortly after 4 p.m., Friday deputies were called to a two-car crash on Stagecoach Trail North and 10th Street North in West Lakeland Township. Deputies and personnel from the Bayport Fire Department and Lakeview EMS attempted life-saving measures but Radecki died at the scene. The other driver was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. There were no passengers in either vehicle. The Minnesota State Patrol is helping to investigate the crash. Authorities say it appears that Friday's weather was a factor in the crash. Crime & Public Safety | A Vermont border agent's death, a MN native, was the latest violence linked to the cultlike Zizian group Crime & Public Safety | In a year of sorrow, the women closest to Burnsville's fallen first responders lean on each other Crime & Public Safety | 2 charged after Minnesota residents scammed out of $50,000 Crime & Public Safety | Woodbury teen killed in Washington County crash Friday afternoon Crime & Public Safety | 2021 police shooting of Winston Smith justified, Hennepin County attorney says
