Caledonia Argus

Absenteeism at Diversity Day concerns school board

Posted: 3/2/04

The Diversity Day that the high school held on February 10 received a lot of discussion at the February 23 school board meeting meeting.

Diversity Day, which was sponsored by a student group known as Interwoven, had events such as the West African Drum Ensemble, music and dance by Ho-Chunk Native American dancers, and a speech by Minnesota state senator Scott Dibble, who is gay.

There were also small-group session on topics such as homelessness and poverty, depression, body image, mental health, gender identity, multiculturalism, and disabilities.

Some board members were concerned about the absenteeism that day, when 117 out of 416 students were gone.

ìIím concerned when 25 percent of the students donít come,î Chuck Schulte said. He also wondered whether a full day on the subject of diversity was necessary.

Barb Hurley suggested that if something were sent home with students for the parents to read, it might cut the absenteeism.

Superintendent Jim Tool agreed that more information might decrease the high number of missing students.

High school principal Cory Klabunde said he didnít want to force kids into something they might not be comfortable with. He said the organizers hope to make it more interesting next year, perhaps by bringing in older people with more real-world experience.

Schulte also felt he needed more information prior to the event taking place so he could answer complaints from citizens.

Dave Klinski, who like Schulte had received an angry phone call regarding the Diversity Day, agreed with that. They did not explain what people were angry about.

Naomi Fruechte said she would not want the board to put a stamp of approval on the contents of Diversity Day. The school is trying to get kids to be leaders, and that would be thwarted if the board made specific recommendations, she said.

Schulte maintained that he wanted to be informed, but he agreed with Fruechte. ìIím not trying to control what the students are trying to do, what the districtís trying to do.î

Tool said that school staff will try to change some studentsí bullying behavior. Schulte added that that is his number one concern.

A student support team has been discussing this, and how to improve school climate, Klabunde said.

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