SCHOOL BOARD WORK SESSION

SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

INTRODUCTION

Purpose: Describe what the superintendents were charged

to do; Develop a frame work for a “White Paper” that outlines a recommendation concerning the future service and programs of EMID including the possible utilization of Harambee and Crosswinds. View EMID in its entirety and not fragmented, i.e. ramification to the whole with a change to any part of the system. This power point is the beginning of that “White Paper.”

FRAME WORK

It is important for EMID to determine its priorities for inter-district cooperation,

The options need to align with the priorities of EMID and its programs,

The options need to consider the ramification for students, staff, and other programs, and

Determine how better to utilize the limited resources available.

REVIEW OF THE THREE (3) OPTIONS Option 1: Strengthen Schools under current

structure: EMID schools have the ability to transform into models of integration and high student achievement; however, it may require additional time and investment.

Option 2:Transfer governance of schools to different operator: The nature and environment of the schools seem to be highly valued, though direct student education is a small portion of EMID’s overall purpose and core competency. Therefore, perhaps EMID should refocus its efforts away from operating the schools.

Option 3: Merge students back into home district schools: Similar to option 2, in terms of reprioritizing EMID’s focus. Belief that current EMID students could smoothly integrate back into home district schools

OPTION 1 STRENGTHEN SCHOOLS UNDER CURRENT

STRUCTURE:

Concerns: The need for additional resources is

unknownOnly meeting the needs of 800 students

out of 122,000 studentsQuestion as to whether the sites are

aligned with the mission/vision of EMIDConcerns if this would meet the needs of

all member districtsConcerns whether the original purpose of

the magnet schools is still relevantThe status quo can not continue

OPTION 2TRANSFER GOVERNANCE OF SCHOOLS TO

DIFFERENT OPERATOR:

Concerns: Not sure if the board has the authority to consider an

alternative management of the sites. However, for discussion purposes, the following are possible considerations: Charter Schools: Who would be the authorizer? EMID

should not be in the “business” of authorizing charters Local districts assume operations: Questions if the 2 local

districts (Roseville and South Washington) would be willing to assume operations for their own district purpose(s)

Perpich Center for the Arts: A state issue which is well beyond the scope of the school board authority

Intermediate District 916: Questions if those building can or would serve their purpose

Ownership of the buildings: A yet unanswered question. Should the sites remain in the ownership of EMID for a purpose to be determined in the future

OPTION 3 MERGE STUDENTS BACK INTO HOME

DISTRICT SCHOOLS

Concerns: Will students return to their home districts How will staff be addressed Can the original purpose of EMID, education in

an integrated environment, be met in the home school

Can the reasons why the choice was made to transfer students to the 2 sites be addressed in the home district

How much revenue will be saved by member districts

RECOMMENDATION OF THE EMID SUPERINTENDENTS

At the conclusion of the 2011-12 school year discontinue using Harambee and Crosswinds as K-10 attendance sites.

Rationale: The schools serve less then 1% of the total

enrollment in the collaborative (880 of 122,000) The sites do not serve the total membership of EMID The resources allocated to the 2 sites can be

repurposed so all members districts are served Unique needs of member districts can be addressed Of the 880 students attending 170 students are from

non-member districts ( approximately 20%) Of the 880 students 616 are from 3 member districts Two member districts do not send any students

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS Possible repurpose of resources:

Early literacy/early childhood Magnets within member district sites Immersion Professional Development site Model schools for addressing the gap and multi cultural

competency More extensive staff training Expanded shared services Leadership training

A subcommittee be established to continue the strategic planning process that will address the future direction and purpose of EMID that a) reaffirms, or revise as needed, the vision/mission, b) strengths services to all member districts, and c) benefits all students within the collaborative.