02-14-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL Monday, February 14, 2011 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. 6. WESTONKA SCHOOLS UPDATE —KEVIN BORG, SUPERINTENDENT Kevin Borg, Superintendent, provided the City Council with an update on the activities of the Westonka School District. Currently Westonka Public Schools is one of three school districts that educate the students of the City of Orono. Westonka is now entering the third year of their strategic plan, with the strategic plan providing direction to the school district. The most important goal of the school district is to improve academic achievement by all the students. Westonka has added a few new programs to the curriculum as well as an AP physics class. Borg indicated in his view Westonka is on track to be able to continue to provide ample opportunities in the science area. They have also expanded the program that addresses future problem solving and future cities, which allows students to utilize, among other things, their critical thinking skills, collaboration skills, and analytical skills. Borg noted the students are also involved in various competitions as part of that program. Borg noted Westonka has provided Orono with their school scores and that the scores reflect another strong academic year for the students. The packet provided to the City Council also includes a list of Fast Facts, which is also available on the school's website. Westonka has also put a significant amount of focus on technological innovation and the greatest advancement is being seen in the 21St Century classroom. Borg commented that mobility of • communication devices provides a wonderful opportunity to educate the students in a much different way than what was taught a couple of years ago. Westonka is taking steps to ensure that wireless is available throughout the school district and they have incorporated staff development into that as well to teach the teachers on how to use the devices and then convey that information to the students. Borg reported that as it relates to finances, the school district had a clean audit. Their reserves will grow to 13 percent. The school district is seeing a slight increase in enrollment this year but that typically enrollment has stayed fairly steady over the years. Westonka continues to have the lowest effective tax rate per student in Hennepin County and the school district has made a reduction in expenditures of $1.8 million over the past four years to various programs. Borg commented the school district will continue to try to reduce expenses, but that sometimes the cost savings are eliminated or reduced due to inflation and other rising costs. Westonka is aware of the poor state of the economy and they are attempting to take measures to address those issues. Borg indicated Westonka will also be launching a new website that will be more interactive with the parents. Residents can sign up for a weekly newsletter to help them keep informed on school activities. In addition, Westonka has made an effort to have a number of different mailers sent to the residents in order to disseminate school information. In addition, Westonka will be undergoing a facility review of the various schools and they will be attempting to compile a list of maintenance requirements and how best to accomplish those goals. Franchot thanked Mr. Borg for coming before the City Council on a regular basis and providing the updates. • McMillan echoed Mr. Franchot's comments. McMillan noted the numbers for 11th grade math are above average but that the rest of the numbers for math are below average. Page 3 of 18