02-13-1989 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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£ NEWSLETTER ORONO INDEPENDENT §pHOOL DISTRICT NO. 278 INDEPtNDE NCC - LONG LAKE MAPLE PLAIN MEL3INA MINNETONKA BEACH - ORONO oH5 OLD CRYSTAl BAY ROAD LONG LAKE MINNESOTA 55356 ORONO SCHOOL BOARD David McKown, Chainnan 479-1692 Don Anderson. Vice Chairman 479-1810 Lucie Taylor, Treasurer 473-1189 Kitty Crosby, Clerk 478-6037 Jim Franklin. Director 479-2130 John Maresh, Director 475-3197 • - V-; 473 7.T13 FEBRUARY, 1989 ISSUE NO. 6 FEB - 31989 Administrative Notes On January 23 the Board of Education approved a bond referendum dection for March 21. The question concerns the construction of a Unking building betvveen ^uinanii Elementary School and the Middle/Intermediate School. The proposed building will house dassrcx>ms, provide a corridor between the two buildir^ so tihat better use can be made of existing fedlities, arid a swiinrningpooL Currendy the school district is lacking in facilities to meet the needs of students. Additional dassnooms are urgendy needed. In fact, next year it will be necessary to house fourth grade students in two separate fadUties (Schumann Elementary and the Middle School) since there is insuffident ^>ace in any one school. Along with dassroom space, we are in need of core facilities Specifically, we need a physical education facility to meet instructional needs. I have recommended a swimming pool because it enlvmces die physical ed program and will serve the entire community as well as the students. Recommending another gymnasium for our campus does not make sense. You win receive a special edition newsletter detailing the needs, proposed construction, and cost I would, however, like to adcUessa rdated item. There is an unfortunate rumor circulating that the open enrollment law and the students transferring to the Onono Schools are the cause of our facility pitfolems. The rumor is grossly in error. The need for classroom space and core facilities is solely based on the current and prrojecled needs of Orono sdiool district residents Our sdvxd age population is growing and will continue to grow over the years ahead anticipate 2600 students, up fiom 2060 students today, inl99Z What about students who come to the (9rono School under the open enrollment law? V\fe are accepting students where space is availaUe. That situation varies fiom grade levd to grade level, and we anticipate seventy-five students will come to the Orono Schools conL next column 1 Qass size will remain as it has, averaging 25 students per class. The revenue generated by open enrollment students will help us maintain our class size, e.g., adding a section when classroom space permits. The revenue also helps us avoid program reductions. The legislature has only provide a revenue increase of 1.6% for the current year and perhaps even less for the follc ving years. The open enrollment revenue helps us maintain programs in the face of inadequate funding from the state. We will carefully monitor open enrollment and cautiously participate in the program. Please know that this Superintendent or the Board of Education would not recommend construction because of open enrollment. The needs we have are the needs of our current and future resident students. Dr. Thomas B. Mich Superintendent Mid-Winter Fun Fest - February 4 The Orono Elementary P.T.A. will be holding its annual "Mid-Winter fun Fest" carnival on Saturday, February 4 from 1:00 - 5:00 pm at the Orono Middle School. This is the P.T.A.'s major fundraiser, with proceeds used to fund field trips for each class and other school related projects. In conjunction with the carnival is a raffle featuring many prizes. The grand prizes this year will include a man's and woman's 10 speed bicycle and a child's sport bike. There are over 50 other prizes donated by area merchants. Ratfle tickets may be purchased irom any K - 5 Orono students or at the carnival. Bring the whole family for an afternoon of food, games, prizes and fun.