Laurie Putnam

Starting this school year St. Cloud School District 742 isn't allowing elementary and middle school students to have cell phones on their person when school is in session. Superintendent Laurie Putnam joined me on WJON.

October is National Principals month and District 742 has been spending the month recognizing their Principals on their facebook page. St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam joined me on WJON.

The St. Cloud School District 742 school year will start next week but they are still in need of more paraprofessionals. That according to St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam.

Wages are going up for staff in St. Cloud School District 742. St. Cloud Schools Superintendent Laurie Putnam joined me on WJON. She says they currently have tentative agreements with 3 bargaining groups which includes the unions representing sign language interpreters, paraeducators, and Licensed Practical Nurses.

Maintenance work is underway on some St. Cloud area elementary schools. St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam joined me on WJON. She indicated that Oak Hill and Discovery Elementary Schools are undergoing HVAC work and this will continue for the next month.

St. Cloud School District 742 have staff and students who have received awards recently. I talked with St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam on WJON to talk about upcoming graduation plans and she highlighted some achievements from both staff and students.

Universal breakfast and lunch for students which recently passed at the Minnesota legislature has raised some concerns for many schools in the state including St. Cloud School District 742.

Everyone has a story and WJON's My Life series takes a look at the story of St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam. Putnam grew up in a small town in central Maine of around 2,000 people named Skowhegan.

Illnesses are making their way through Central Minnesota. St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam joined me on WJON. She indicates the illnesses appear to be a combination of RSV, flu, COVID and the common cold. Putnam explained they are seeing higher numbers of sick students and staff lately.

A worker shortage has impacted so many industries and that includes schools.  St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam joined me on WJON.  She says: "We expect to be fully staffed by the time our school year begins." Putnam says they've made great progress in hiring para professionals which is where they saw a significant shortage last year.  She say...

St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam has been in her new role for almost a month. She joined me on WJON today. Putnam says she's been reaching out to School District staff and families to identify the top concerns they have. She says every parent wants their child to be successful and safe.

St. Cloud School's are transitioning from Willie Jett as the District 742 Superintendent to Laurie Putnam. Putnam, who had been the Assistant Superintendent, will become the new school district Superintendent Friday July 1st but has been transitioning into that role for the past few months.