DISTRICT 279 (Osseo) Important Update - Mission Forward Task Force

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Jennifer Jayne DeJournett

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Nov 20, 2009, 1:30:35 PM11/20/09

to Jennifer Jayne DeJournett

Dear Republican Friends in District 279 (Osseo School District):

Enclosed is a request for applications for the Mission Forward Task force that District 279 is putting together. (SEE BELOW) District 279 includes families that reside in Senate Districts 32, 43, 46 and 47.

As you can see, this Task Force will be used as the basis for redefining some issues in the district and reshape some areas of our District.

I wish I could tell you the full list of topics, but I do not have a complete list. However, some of the changes that might be considered is potentially redefining the high school model (10-12) versus a (9-12) configuration, use of district facilities, specialty programs, additional magnet schools, and other big topics. Because some system changes might be on the table, it is important to have a voice at the table.

It is imperative that conservative voices apply to this Mission Forward Task Force, to insure our viewpoints are considered in the decision making process.

Last time the District made significant changes, the community reaction was later in the process. This time, the District is making an effort to be more open in the process and solicit input earlier in the decision making cycle.

That being said, if our voices are not at the table, then our perspective isn’t heard. Given the current configuration of the School Board; we must participate early in order for our perspectives to be heard. By the time any major decision the School Board for a vote; it will be too late for input/revisions. Further, the communities asked to be more involved in major decisions in our District, given the Administration is making an attempt, we must accept their offer and apply.

I ask that you forward the below request to anyone that you think might be interested in applying for the District’s Mission Forward Task Force.

Information on how to apply is in the letter that is attached below.

Best Regards,

Jennifer DeJournett

http://www.district279.org/DistrictNews/Archive/2009/1118_TaskForce.cfm

_____________________________

Dear Friend of the Osseo Area Schools:

Changing demographics, increasing competition from other education options, growing expectations from a global economy, and unpredictable state funding are creating challenges for school districts throughout the state.

While those issues pose clear challenges, we know that within every challenge lies opportunity. We are inviting you to join us in this timely and exciting opportunity to work together to address some critical issues facing our local schools. I hope you will consider being part of the conversation.

As your School Board ponders current and future issues and opportunities, it is committed to maintaining the district’s reputation for providing outstanding educational programs efficiently and effectively.

As a part of its strategic planning process the School Board adopted six core values, one of which states, “We believe that better decisions emerge when diverse perspectives are intentionally included in a collaborative process.” Consistent with this core value, we are seeking participants who reflect the perspectives and interests of the communities we serve to participate in the Mission Forward Task Force.

The purpose of the Mission Forward Task Force is to analyze trends in the competitive education marketplace and to identify potential adjustments to our system’s portfolio of educational offerings that align with our mission, core values, and strategic objectives. The Task Force will include community members (approximately 3/4) and staff (approximately 1/4) and will meet twice each month from January through June 2010, and possibly beyond. Task Force members will explore the issues, forecast implications, identify problems to be solved, and then develop potential solutions to present to the Superintendent and School Board.

The work of the Task Force is consistent with the strategic plan statement “Our system continually assesses facilities, resources, allocation of time and people to ensure our mission is achieved.” Topics will be determined by Task Force members and may include, but are not limited to:

Optimal grade configuration
Role of specialty programs
Enrollment waiting lists at some schools and under-enrollment at others
Optimal use of district facilities

Task Force members must be able to commit a significant amount of time to the work of the group (see Mission Forward Task Force Charge). We believe it is crucial work that will have far-reaching impact on the Osseo Area Schools. We also anticipate that there will be many individuals who will apply to serve on the Task Force. Our responsibility is to ensure that the group represents the diverse perspectives of the students and many communities we are privileged to serve.

To apply and be considered for the Mission Forward Task Force, the attached completed application must be returned by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009. You may submit it electronically to loo...@district279.org, via fax at (763) 391-7082, or via U.S. mail to:

Mike Looby, Executive Director of Community Engagement
ISD 279 – Osseo Area Schools
11200 93rd Avenue North
Maple Grove, MN 55369

If you have questions, please contact Mike Looby at (763) 391-7115 or me at (763) 391-7003.