DEL NORTE—The Del Norte School District opened their doors and welcomed children back on Monday, Aug. 21. Students from the elementary school were welcomed into the temporary new building alongside the middle school students for the 2017-18 school year. Students and staff were eager to get the year started and are looking forward to the additional changes that are yet to come.
According to school Superintendent Chris Burr, “By all appearances, the adjustment to the new surroundings went well. Students and staff alike were happy and excited to be back at school.”
The first day came with an additional treat as students and staff from the entire district gathered at the high school football field to watch the Great American Eclipse. “All students and staff K-8 were able to see the eclipse. Everyone had glasses, and we all sat on the football field to witness the event. It was truly awesome to see everyone have so much fun together on the first day of school,” continued Burr. 
The Del Norte School District was recently awarded just over $27 million to help with costs associated with the estimated $45 million new school project. A group consisting of local volunteers and school board officials has been created to work to pass the bond issue, which would fund the remaining $18 million needed. The group will host a series of meetings for the public to help answer any questions the increase in taxes might trigger. The first meeting will take place Thursday, Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. in the high school field house. The public is encouraged to attend.
“I would say we are constantly evaluating ways to make things better and smoother, like our online registration, but nothing specific to this year so far. Passing a bond and building a new school will take care of almost all of our issues at school,” finished Burr.