The Roundabout

Thursday, September 04, 2025

September 04, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Welcome to your weekly Roundabout!

The school year began on a sobering note at Math and Science Academy, where a longtime teacher’s arrest on serious charges contrasted with an otherwise smooth first day back for students.

We’re also tracking Washington County’s new grant program to combat the opioid crisis, fresh data on Woodbury’s reading and math scores, and updates on city construction projects.

And while this week brings a welcome cool-down, don’t be fooled, Minnesota’s “fake fall” has a way of luring us into sweaters before a surprise return of Summer 2.0.

Editor: Chuck Nowlen
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Top Story

Math and Science Academy’s student drop-off crossing guard April McClernan, left, chats with a visitor while directing traffic Tuesday morning. Photo by Chuck Nowlen.

Shocking Arrest Can’t Mar First Day Of Classes At Math & Science Academy

by Chuck Nowlen | Published on September 03, 2025

You’d never know it by the mellow back-to-school atmosphere on Tuesday morning, but a trusted Woodbury Math and Science Academy teacher who mingled with teenagers here for seven years is now charged with soliciting underage sex online.

“There were absolutely no signs whatsoever. None. That’s what’s so concerning,” the school’s Executive Director Kate Hinton said of 44-year-old Jamey Scott Ralph Strand, who taught physical education and coached basketball and badminton.

“There were no complaints or concerns,” Hinton added. “No one in our community has come forward since the arrest. He had no disciplinary record.”

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City & County

County Grants Available To Help Beat The Opioid Crisis

by Woodbury News Net Staff | Washington County residents and organizations can compete for funding to mitigate the opioid crisis. On-line applications and accompanying video statements for the grants are due to the county by October 10. Decisions on recipients will be made by the Opioid Settlement Council.

Schools

Composite Woodbury Reading, Math Scores Released, 3rd Through 8th Grade

by Beth-Ann Bloom | The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) on Friday released the 2024-2025 reading and math test scores of Woodbury students in 3rd to 8th grades. The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) are taken online every spring, and composite scores are released during the State Fair.

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