Summer is winding down, new school year on horizon

   It’s hard to believe, but summer 2023 is winding down and it will not be long before the 2023-2024 school year gets underway. We know the school year is fast approaching as the fall sports teams officially began practicing this week.
The Minnesota State Fair begins its 12-day run next Thursday, ending on Labor Day.
It’s worth noting that one of the Dodge County Dairy Princesses, Makenzie Alberts, is a finalist for the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. The coronation program will be next Wednesday night, the evening before the fair begins. As one of the finalists, Makenzie will be joining the list of young women who can claim to have had their likeness carved into a 90 block of butter.
Good Luck Makenzie.
As for the start of the new school year, Byron students have the distinction of beginning the new year before Labor Day with the first day of classes for grades 6-12 on August 28 and grades K-5 on August 31.
The rest of the local students will be heading back to classes after Labor Day.
Kasson-Mantorville students in grades 5-12 will be heading back to classes on September 5, while grades K-4 will start on September 7.
In Hayfield the starting date for grades 6-12 is September 5 and K-5 September 7. In Triton first day for students in grades 6-12 is September 6 and for K-5 it is September 7.
The beginning of the school year also brings new faces to all school districts, both among the students and staff.
One of the biggest changes this year is that Kasson-Mantorville Schools will be welcoming a new interim superintendent.
The change, of course, is due to the resignation last week of Superintendent Mark Matuksa who will be heading west to Jackson County, Minn., to take over the principal position at Jackson County Central High School. He said that he is making the change to be closer to family, especially his parents.
His last day in the district will be August 22 and, if all goes according to plans, a new interim superintendent will begin his or her duties on the same day. The board is anticipating they will be able to hire an interim at the school board meeting on Monday, August 21.
That is a fast turnaround to find a person to fill the position but the Minnesota School Board Association has a list of individuals who are available to serve in these interim spots. Hiring an interim for the 2023-2024 school year gives stability to the district as the top leadership position will be filled and it also gives the school board the time necessary to make sure the one hired as the new superintendent is a good fit with the district.
Wishing the best to Mr. Matuska as he begins a new chapter in his career.