A moment of silence was taken at the start of the Osakis School Board meeting Monday, May 10, for Kyle Imdieke.

Imdieke , who passed away unexpectedly Thursday, May 6, was a special education teacher in the district, as well as an assistant basketball and football coach. He was also an alumni of the school district, graduating in 1993.

School Board Chairperson Becky Hensley said the outpouring of support from the community in the wake of Imdieke’s death has been astounding.

Superintendent Randy Bergquist announced later in the meeting that there would be no school on Thursday, May 13, so that students, staff and administration could attend and/or help out at the funeral, which will take place at 11 a.m. at the Osakis football complex.

He also shared that A’viands, the food service management company the school district uses for its lunch program, has graciously offered to donate all of the food for the meal after Imdieke’s funeral.

Bergquist also told school board members that the administrators decided that Imdieke’s classroom would not be used for the remainder of the school year. However, school board members did approve the hiring of Brian Silbernick, a retired teacher and current paraprofessional in the district, to fill in for Imdieke through the rest of the year. Silbernick will use another space in the school for Imdieke’s classes.

Osakis community mourns the loss of coach, teacher, 'selfless' friend and family man in Kyle Imdieke

Last day moved

The last day of school has been changed. Per a request from Bergquist, the last day for high school seniors has been moved to Tuesday, May 25. Students in pre-kindergarten through grade 11 will be finished on Friday, May 28.

“It’s been a tough year,” said Bergquist, who said that he just wants families to spend time together.

He also said that students have done a great job throughout the year navigating all the COVID-19 guidelines, wearing their masks, dealing with online learning and changing schedules. He said teachers and other staff members have also done a great job and he commended everyone on all their hard work throughout the past year.

“We’ve just had one heck of a year,” he said.

Bergquist did mention, though, that even though the students won’t be in school for those two days, teachers and other staff will be. He said it is not a free day for them as they will have plenty of work to do.

School board members had some concerns with the early out, such as childcare being open for parents who may need it and teachers being available for students who may need some one-on-one time or extra help to finish their work.

Bergquist noted that childcare would be available and that there will be buses running for students who may need to come in to finish up any work that needs to get done. He also said that teachers would be available for students.

High school Principal Brad Hoffarth said the early out could be used as an incentive for students to get their work done on time.

School Board member Justin Dahlheimer said the school serves as a good resource for students and their families and that some kids need school and do better when they are in school. He said it’s not always a good idea to be sending them home.

However, despite the concerns, the change in the calendar was unanimously approved.