01-23-1989 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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- approved the bills as covered by vouchers 061052 through 061211 and 060431 through 060566. Dr. Mich reported that Mrs. Kitty Crosby was honored by Governor Perpich at the "Capital for a Day" program, held on November 22, for her work on behalf of the Orono Scholarship fund; that Orono has received 210 application requests for open enrollment and 135 have completed applications representing about 100 fami lies and he emphasized that no facilities/instructors will be developed/added but students will be accepted within Orono's established parameters for class size. Dr. Mich stated that on December 1, 1988 the District completed payment to Woods Academy for the return of the Maple Plain facility to the Orono School District. Following condemnation of the leasehold agreement, a negotiated settlement for the sum of $450,000 was achieved. Dr. Mich stated that it is regrettable that this cost was necessary, however, the decision to lease the building was made at a time of declining enrollment with little prospect for reversal of that trend. During the life of the lease, the District received $108,000 in payments from Woods Academy which offsets, in part, some of the settlement cost and the fact that the building was not in operation for six years provided a savings to the District of an estimated $800,000. Dr. Mich stated that the decision to condemn the leasehold and to negotiate a settlement was made in light of the cost of building a comparable facility, that cost being estimated at 4 million dollars for construction and the cost to taxpayers, inclusive of financing, would have approximated 6.6 million dollars. Dr. Mich stated that the building now houses the Orono Primary School and the District is looking forward to making good use of that building. Dr. Mich reported that the AMSD pre-legislative dinner session is scheduled for January 11, 1989 at the Sheraton Midway; that the MSBA Convention will be held January 19, 20 and 21 at the St. Paul Civic Center; that the NSBA Convention will be held April 1 - 4, 1989 in California; that he wanted to draw their attention to the article in the PIONEER regarding the scientist in residence program in the elementary schools; that he had received from Tom Wasbotten a document entitled "Orono” High School Enrichment Opportunities for Gifted and Talented Students" whirh details the opportunities available for high school students; that he woulu send a letter to Betty Beach on behalf of the Board recognizing her retiren'?;nt and expressing congratulations/appreciation to her for her twenty-seven years of service and dedication to the Orono Schools and its students. David McKown reported that the Superintendent had been evaluated by the School Board on November 14, 1988. He stated that each Board member was given the opportunity to rate the performance of the Superintendent and a composite rating was developed. Board members also had the opportunity to comment on the perfor mance of the Superintendent. In summary, Mr. McKown stated that the Board of Education is well pleased with the performance of the Superintendent. He expressed congratulations to Or. Mich for a good year and appreciation to Kitty Crosby for her work in the evaluation process. UPON MOTION by Lucie Taylor, seconded by Jim Franklin, the Board of Education directed its representatives to AMSD (Association of Metropolitan School Districts) to support legal efforts and activities, including the possibility of