School, city seek to strengthen partnership

Red Wing School Board members met with the Red Wing City Council just before their regular meeting Monday evening. The goal was to discuss issues that affect both the board and the council.

“We got to thinking that it was time to get back together and talk about concerns or ongoing projects for the future,” Council President Lisa Bayley said.

The agenda included going over initiatives the board and council already partner on and ways the two entities could partner further. Current collaborations include the school liaison police officer the city provides the district, equipment sharing and mutual use of city and district buildings.

“We do partner quite a bit, but we certainly can do more,” Bayley said.

Other topics of discussion included the city’s current sidewalks and where sidewalks should be built to ensure students have safe walks to school.

“I’m a huge proponent of as many sidewalks as possible. That’s my personal perspective,” Supt. Karsten Anderson told the council. “I realize you have a lot of other perspectives and their tax implications and fairness throughout the city.… (But) the more sidewalks the better.”

The board brought up concerns about the Highway 58 crossing at Pioneer Road and asked whether the city could help the district get more signage or a countdown timer for the crosswalks there. Board members also voiced concerns about parking on city streets near the soccer fields and around other district-owned property.

No action or official vote was taken on any measure, and both board and council members said they would continue to follow up on topics discussed at the meeting.

Tags: red wing, city council, school, government