Lake Holcombe School Board - eSucceed is no longer a good option for the district

By Ginna Young

When the COVID-19 pandemic was in full force, eSucceed, a virtual schooling option, was huge, as a way to get students the education they needed, while not being in the school. The joint began in 2018-19, with eight member districts, funded by a five-year, $800,000 DPI Charter School Grant.

Now, however, enrollment in the consortium is not increasing as anticipated. It was recommended Dec. 20, at the Lake Holcombe School Board meeting, that the district withdraw from the joint effort, which was approved.

“ Over time, the participation of those eight original school districts has dwindled,” said district administrator Kurt Lindau.

Members also approved a proposed timber sale form, prepared by CASL Forestry, covering 40 acres in the Town of Birch Creek. Ag instructor Kent Dorney and his students worked with CASL, to determine a timber harvest plan, so that now companies can bid on the sale. It’s possible the one-time proceeds from logging the property would be used to build an outdoor classroom on school grounds.

The board also approved a cyber security plan, in the event information was compromised, which is something the district needs to have in place.

They also approved a speech/language virtual contract for two days, per week, for 13 weeks, during the second semester of the school year, when the current, on-site speech/language instructor is on maternity leave.

Members also approved an out-of state field trip for the FFA students/adults to attend events at the Xcel Energy Center in February.

Also approved, were the fall coaching contract renewals, as well as the hire of Grier Belter, as the assistant cross country coach.

The board also accepted $212.40, from Eastbay Lodge, to the football and music programs; $2,000, from the Lake Holcombe Lions Club, to the girls and boys basketball programs; $300, from the Holcombe United Methodist Women, for a care closet; and $1,500, from the National Wild Turkey Federation-Flambeau Mountain chapter, to the archery program for targets.

Lindau also informed the board that efforts are still underway, to determine who drove a truck into the side of the school building by the office in November of 2023, and why. It’s estimated the costs will exceed $30,000.

Investigators are confident that they will bring this matter to some closure,” said Lindau.