DEER RIVER — A school district has a responsibility to provide education, but sometimes there are barriers that stand in the way. The Deer River School District wants to remove those obstacles.
Deanna Hron, Deer River's Full Service Community School coordinator, was a recent guest on Bright Spot on the KAXE Morning Show.
"Whatever it is that is the barrier ... We try to figure out if we can do something to help them," Hron said.
Hron said there are about 20 Full Service Community Schools in Minnesota. The national framework is funded, in part, by state and federal grants.
If a student misses the bus, a ride can be provided. If a student doesn't have proper footwear, they may get a new pair of shoes. If a family needs help navigating health insurance, they will be supported.
These are just a few examples of how a Full Service Community School can fill the gaps that make it hard to be a successful learner. One of the biggest needs that emerged when Deer River started this model seven years ago was dental care.
In the 2025-26 school year, the district has helped 119 kids visit a doctor or dentist.
Listen to our full conversation above to hear more about this model, how it came to be in Deer River and how you can support the program with food or monetary donations.
Is there a Bright Spot in your community? Let us know!
The Bright Spot is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
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