Recent legislation established Juneteenth as a state holiday. Juneteenth recognizes the historical pronouncement of the abolition of slavery on June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was said to have been first publicly read in Texas by Union soldiers.

An end of session amendment applied the change immediately, impacting current school year operations. Minnesota school districts received notice of this change on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, and the Minnesota Department of Education advised that schools cannot hold classes or programs, school board meetings, athletic practices and competitions, and other school-associated events.

In keeping with the new law, Alexandria Public Schools will be closed Monday, June 19, 2023 to observe the Juneteenth holiday.

• Staff currently contracted to work (12 month employees) on June 19, 2023 should not report to work and will receive holiday pay.

• Employees that were planning to utilize personal, sick, or vacation leave that day will be credited those hours to their balances.

• School or district-sponsored summer, after-school and evening activities, including Compass school-age child care, will also be canceled. Families enrolled in summer programs previously scheduled will be notified of any potential refunds, credits or rescheduling plans.

• The School Board meeting scheduled for Monday, June 19, 7pm has been rescheduled for Wednesday, June 21, 7pm in the District Office Oak Conference room.

• The district calendar committee will convene and recommend potential calendar revisions for future school years. Any changes would require School Board approval.

The Echo Press ‘In the Know’ is a rotating column written by community leaders from the Douglas County area. Click here to read the district column that will run in the June 7 issue of the paper. The column reflects on the connections to the Class of 2023 graduation celebration that took place with four main groups: community, family, staff, and students.

The DMS Swimming Pool will remain CLOSED for essential maintenance tasks through Sunday, August 13.

Due to leaking water, we discovered significant cracks in the pool basin approximately 6 weeks ago. Upon further investigations, receiving quotes, and timelines with American Leak Detection and Horizon, our pool will be CLOSED until Sunday, August 13. During this time, we are fixing the cracks in the pool basin, resurfacing and painting.

We apologize for any inconvenience to our many users. Thank you for your understanding.