Strong School Board Stands Behind District

By Dr. Karen Orcutt,
Superintendent of Schools

Orono has a proud tradition of preparing students to be successful in school, careers and life. Many things have changed during our 60-year history, but one of the most important reasons behind our continued excellence has not: the leadership of a strong school board.

Imagine the vision and courage it took to consolidate a number of smaller districts into our current system to offer students more opportunities. Today, that courage and vision is just as essential as we prepare students to excel in our rapidly-changing and increasingly-global society.

The Minnesota School Boards Association has established Feb. 20-24 as School Board Recognition Week in Minnesota. The commemorative week is designed to build awareness and understanding of the vital function held by a locally-elected board of education.

Many individuals are responsible for contributing to the outstanding reputation our district has earned, but that standard of excellence begins at the top. The key work of school board members is to raise student achievement by:

• Creating a vision for what the community wants the school district to be and for making student achievement the top priority.
• Establishing standards for what students will be expected to learn and be able to do.
• Ensuring progress is measured to be sure the district’s goals are achieved and students are learning at expected levels.
• Being accountable for their decisions and actions by continually tracking and reporting results.
• Creating a safe, orderly environment in which students can learn and teachers can teach.
• Forming partnerships with others in the community to solve common problems.
• Focusing attention on the need for continuous improvement by questioning, refining and revising issues related to student achievement.

School board membership is one of the most personally demanding forms of public service. Board members spend countless hours preparing for and participating in their monthly meetings and attendance at various school events.

In addition, they devote a great deal of time of serving as liaisons to other boards or organizations both within and outside the district, and to studying issues related to education.

As we work with students on building strong character, our school board provides an excellent example of living up to the public’s trust. Despite the pressure the scope of their influence brings, they respect each other’s opinions, as well as those of all stakeholders, to reach solid decisions. Many other elected officials should learn that success is possible without grandstanding, partisanship or yielding to special interests.

Because our school board members value the community’s directive to maximize resources, they refuse to accept any form of compensation. That sets them apart from every other school board in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and probably the remainder of the state as well.

From preschoolers to major employers, everyone benefits from the hard work of our school board.  

Please make some time this week to thank these dedicated individuals who are preparing our students for a bright future and improving the quality of life in our community.

Orono School Board Members:

• John Malone, Chairman 
• Martha Van de Ven, Vice Chair 
• Dick Lewis, Treasurer 
• Mike Bash, Clerk
• Mike Johnson, Director
• Bob Tunheim, Director