ISD 196 Requests Adding Dec. 23 To Winter Break

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — ISD 196 administration has requested to add Dec. 23 to Winter Break, the district shared on its website.

The proposal to start Winter Break one day earlier will be reviewed by the School Board at a special meeting Tuesday, the district said.

The district cited staffing shortages throughout the district as the reason for the shortages.

"Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages have impacted day-to-day operations," the district said. "And data suggests the impact of these shortages on Dec. 23 will make operating our schools challenging. Since the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, 36 percent of absences across employee groups have gone unfilled, compared to 12 percent pre-pandemic. Employees have regularly taken on responsibilities beyond the scope of their positions, and students and families have continued to deal with increased challenges."

Superintendent Mary Kreger said that teachers and families both asked for Winter Break to be extended, as this year's break is shorter than others.

The district said it is currently exploring options for childcare and meals to support families if the School Board approves adding Dec. 23 to Winter Break.

Information on the School Board's decision will be sent to families after the meeting Tuesday, the district said.

More information can be found here.