Keith Jacobus said last week he will step down as superintendent of the South Washington County Schools in September, rather than next year as he had previously announced.
"The timing is never right, but we have put in place a great strategic plan and most importantly, a great leadership team," Jacobus said, according to a news release.
The board moved to install Julie Nielsen as Jacobus' successor. She has been with the district for 26 years, the last six as assistant superintendent.
Jacobus, who has been district superintendent since 2012, had planned to retire in June. But he told the board that the pandemic had prompted him to reflect on his life. "I long to spend more time with my family," he said.
KEVIN DUCHSCHERE
ANOKA COUNTY
Board allocates CARES Act funding
The Anoka County Board has accepted $43.4 million in federal CARES Act funding, which it will use to cover county expenses and help small businesses and nonprofits affected by the pandemic.
About $32.7 million will go toward reimbursing county staff costs, facility modifications and telework support related to COVID-19. That includes $300,000 for upcoming elections, $150,000 for three additional trucks and $259,000 to upgrade video conferencing technology.
The board earmarked $5.2 million to help small businesses defray costs or service interruptions, and $5.5 million will be available for nonprofits that provide assistance to people affected by COVID-19.
