The EMID board voted to close Harambee and Crosswinds tonight. EMID will not be running schools next year. They also voted to accept the Roseville proposal to take over Hararmbee. The real question was, what would they do with Crosswinds.
The EMID board tonight voted to give the Perpich Center for Arts Education until April 1 to get the authority and funding it needs to run Crosswinds. If Perpich fails to get that authority and funding by April 1, the building will go to South Washington County.
This makes the legislative task for Perpich enormous. Perpich will have to seek a separate bill and early action by the Minnesota legislature. By forcing this to be an early vote, they have made this a very difficult task. Difficult, but not necessarily impossible.
Step by step.
For those who want to relive a full blow-by-blow, here are the tweets from tonight’s meeting… rearranged so you can read them from the top down.
@CarrieCNM We’re ready to go here at Harambee! #EMID pic.twitter.com/AxV8EZcD
@efceleste KARE11 is at the EMID board meeting this evening, keep an eye out on the news this evening! #EMID
@CarrieCNM Hoeppner re-elected Board chair #EMID
@efceleste Board re-elects George Hoeppner as chair, and Marilyn Foresberg as vice chair. #EMID
@CarrieCNM #EMID Dan Larson starts us off, speaking about and for teachers. “Its not a job, its a calling”.
@efceleste Testimony underway with Dan, we are here for our students. #EMID
@efceleste Dan points out that 833 and 916 proposals would kill jobs. #EMID
@CarrieCNM #EMID Parent Mike R. speaking. A new face for the board to hear from.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Kathy Griebel is speaking. Over the past 2 years “we have become stronger together”.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Some great courage being shown tonight already.
@efceleste Kathy G, faith is taking the first step, let Perpich build the staircase. #EMID
@CarrieCNM #EMID KG called upon the school board to stop the disparaging remarks about Crosswinds. Well stated.
@efceleste Laurel, we finally have hope, allow Perpich to be our long shot. #EMID
@efceleste Susan reads testimony from Anne Andersen, former Crosswinds principal. #EMID
@CarrieCNM #EMID Laurel LeBlanc ask for ‘as my daughter said, the long shot… its better than no shot”
@CarrieCNM #EMID Susan Larson reads a letter from Anne Anderson, former principal of Crosswinds.
@efceleste By the way, the room is full, lots of people care. #EMID
@CarrieCNM #EMID “Continue the dream of the founders”. Anne Anderson
@efceleste Zander points out how his continued involvement highlights how wonderful a Crosswinds is. #EMID
@CarrieCNM #EMID Zander S. gives an impassioned speech as a former student who continues to volunteer there.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Zander quoting Atticus. What’s new?!
@CarrieCNM #EMID Well done, Zander. Well done.
@efceleste #EMID Shannon is reading for Mike B, she reminds us that Mike has a Crosswinds alumn who is now at Perpich.
@efceleste #EMID Mike, only Perpich wants to keep the patient alive.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Mike B. – “Perpich wants to continue the soul of Crosswinds”. Statement read by Shannon H.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Act as good stewards of the soul of Crosswinds. Mike B.
@efceleste #EMID Mike, give the soul of Crosswinds that chance.
@susmaular #EMID Jocelyn reads for her daughter,who says “I like crosswinds the way it is.”
@efceleste #EMID Joselyn reading a sweet statement from her daughter Leah.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Leah Stein’s statement is read by her mother. She is at theater rehearsal.
@efceleste #EMID Kim Z, Perpich and EMID share a purpose and vision.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Kim Z. “It is essential that Harambee and Crosswinds survived”. Her daughter is also at rehearsals.
@efceleste #EMID Lesley, here for her regular Wednesday evening get together.
@efceleste #EMID I’m up next, too nervous to type! Breath. Breath.
@CarrieCNM #EMID We’ve spent all 4 seasons together. We are a community. Leslye T.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Eric C- while I’ve had strong feelings, I deeply respect the job you are doing and double doing as EMID board members
@CarrieCNM #EMID Withdraw your students from Roseville and Crosswinds at the same time. Its important for our teachers. Eric C.
@susmaular #EMID Eric Celestemthanks the board for their service and asks them to carry forward the legacy of crosswinds by authorizing Perpich
@kzaiman #EMID #pcae Eric eloquently brings all together. Again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Eric C. provides pivotal data about Crosswinds successes in closing the achievement gap.
@CarrieCNM #EMID “Take one last small risk to make this a win-win situation. Education Must Include Diversity” Eric C.
@efceleste #EMID whew.
@efceleste #EMID parent with moving testimony speaking on behalf of three families. This school should be saved so our children can excel.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Crosswinds and Harambee parent (new face) addresses the board. Crosswinds & Harambee have provided opportunity for our children.
@efceleste #EMID Fred apologizes for waking up board members at home with his phone calls!
@efceleste #EMID Fred, while we decide the fate of the school, our kids are still practicing for their play.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Fred LeBlanc: while my daughter practices for her play, the fate of her schools lies at this table tonight.
@CarrieCNM #EMID I know my son would thrive at Crosswinds the way he has thrived at Harambee. Fred LeBlanc
@zdsellie #EMID Kathy Griebel (KG) is my hero for taking a bold step by testifying
@efceleste #EMID moving on to the agenda, the testimony is done, now we witness.
@CarrieCNM #EMID End of open forum. On to the boring business. The important stuff is at the end.
@livingteacher Good luck #EMID teachers, staff, students, and families.
@efceleste #EMID Dave from South Washington 833 updates the board on proposal, they need authority by 1 March for a 2013 transfer.
@CarrieCNM #EMID SoWashCo wants to know for sure by March 1st.
@CarrieCNM #EMID SoWashCty says they can have students in the building by 2013 if they know by March 1st.
@efceleste #EMID 833 says that if given the building tonight they would put students in it for the 2013/2014 school year.
@kzaiman #EMID 833 continues to be vague. Some board members trying to clarify.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Kitty clarifies w/833 that they would be willing to accept the multi-million dollar property and pay the cost of utilities for 1 year.
@kzaiman #EMID I didn’t hear a motion to change the order of the agenda…
@efceleste #EMID South Washington admits that even if given notice as late as July, they would “work with EMID” on handling utility costs for 2013-14.
@susmaular #EMID board votes to close Harambee at the end of 2012-2013 school year
@CarrieCNM #EMID Motion to close Harambee passes. It may be ok, but it is still creepy.
@efceleste #EMID board votes yes to close Harambee. So sad. Of course, Roseville will open it up again.
@efceleste #EMID Gelbmann moves to amend Crosswinds closure to 13/14, Morehead seconds for discussion.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Motion to close Crosswinds at end of 2012-13. Gelbmann moves to ammend to end at 2013-14 year. Second by Morehead for discussion.
@efceleste #EMID Doing this would torpedo teacher options for Crosswinds, lets hope the board sees through the scheme.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Gelbmann finds a chance to speak.
@susmaular #EMID. Board member Gelbmann introduces amendment to keep crosswinds with EMID through 2013-2014 school year.
@efceleste #EMID Kitty defends the Crosswinds staff. Bravo!
@CarrieCNM #EMID Gogins points out issues for Crosswinds under Gelbmann’s amendment.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Gogins points out issues for Crosswinds teachers under Gelbmann’s amendment.
@kzaiman #EMID Thanks you Kitty Goggins!!!
@CarrieCNM #EMID Board requests Shari’s clarification, who spells out the teacher issue in Gelbmann’s amendment.
@efceleste #EMID Shari comes through with the clear and necessary information. We are lucky to have Shari!
@CarrieCNM #EMID This is ironic. EMID board wants to keep Crosswinds open, parents hope they close it =)
@zdsellie Breathe breathe breathe #EMID
@CarrieCNM #EMID Gelbmann Amendment fails.
@efceleste #EMID board votes against Gelbmann 8-2.
@susmaular #EMID. Gelbmann’s amendment fails.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Crosswinds has been officially closed.
@efceleste #EMID board votes to close Crosswinds, but we don’t know what comes next yet…
@efceleste #EMID board now discusses handing governance of Harambee to Roseville district 623.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Gogins abstains from vote on Harambee proposal. Setting precedence for Gelbmann on Crosswinds??
@efceleste #EMID Marilyn clarifies that transferring property refers to transferring land and building, not the stuff inside the buildings.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Harambee is now a part of the Roseville school district!
@susmaular #EMID. Board transfers Harambee to Roseville in a unanimous vote with kitty Goggins abstaining.
@efceleste #EMID board votes to move ahead with Roseville. Goodbye Harambee, welcome Harambee Community School.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Thank you Dr. Thein, Ms. Gogins, and Roseville School Board.
@efceleste #EMID board must now fill in the blanks for Crosswinds.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Gogins moves for Perpich with default to SoWashCo. Amy Williams seconds.
@efceleste #EMID Kitty moves to fill in the blanks with Perpich provided it gets authorization and funding, with a default to SWC if it fails.
@CarrieCNM #EMID This is it folks… stay tuned!
@efceleste #EMID tension in room, but all discussion so far is about technicality of filling in the form for this option… No real discussion yet.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Remind me not to sit next to Kim at the capitol. She’s making me nervous!
@CarrieCNM #EMID Current wording is “should Perpich fail during 2013 legislative session”…. no discussion yet
@CarrieCNM #EMID Gelbmann proposes amendment for April 1st deadline. So much for abstaining! =)
@efceleste #EMID motion now on the floor that would give Perpich whole session.
@efceleste #EMID Gelbmann moves for an April 1 deadline, Cindy seconds.
@efceleste #EMID Gelbmann motion odd since SWC said they need March 1 deadline.
@efceleste #EMID now Gelbmann says that Perpich can get the job done by April 1, contrary to his own points last week.
@efceleste #EMID Gelbmann now also directly contradicting SWC rep and says SWC. Would get kids in the building with an April 1 deadline.
@efceleste #EMID there is a whiff of desperation in Gelbmann’s motion… I am hopeful it will fail… Perpich may win after all.
@efceleste #EMID now Gelbmann taking credit for support of Perpich when he staffed then-Senator Dayton. Recalls wonders of Perpich, a wonderful program
@efceleste #EMID Gelbmann says if he thought legislature would give the money for Crosswinds, he would have asked for it for SWC!
@efceleste #EMID Morehead misrepresents both families and Perpich by saying they believe April 1 is OK, this is false.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Amy speaks against the amendment
@efceleste #EMID Amy Williams speaks against the motion, asks for the whole legislative session. Give them our vote of confidence, she says.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Gogins speaks against amendment.
@efceleste #EMID Gogins speaks against April 1 as well, prematurely ends the process, she says. give Perpich the full opportunity.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Forsberg speaks in favor of amendment.
@efceleste #EMID Marilyn speaks in support of this amendment, for teachers she says. Makes their decisions more difficult.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Shari clarifies that by closing the schools, all of the teachers will go on LOA as of the Feb board meeting.
@efceleste #EMID Gogins points out families already need plan b in place, Shari points out teachers will already be in motion based on last vote.
@kzaiman @CarrieCNM it’s what I do. #EMID
@kzaiman #EMID Does Gelbman NOT understand that all of the students will not be there. We will ALL leave.
@efceleste #EMID Kitty gets off a wonderful inside joke about security modifications. Precious!
@CarrieCNM #EMID Kitty asks if SWC if they can really get programming going in 4 months …
@CarrieCNM #EMID Vote on amendment (not on the resolution) fails. This is a good thing!
@efceleste #EMID roll call vote on Gelbmann amendment, for are Gelbmann, Foresberg, Nordstrom, Morehead, 6-4
@CarrieCNM #EMID Original motion is now open for discussion. This is where it all hits the fan.
@efceleste #EMID the amendment failed, back to the motion for Perpich with the whole legislative session. discussion ensues.
@efceleste #EMID Morehead now thinks she is taking the legislature’s vote, she does not want to spend the $2M.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Morehead reads prepared statement against the resolution.
@efceleste #EMID I guess if they had to listen to us, we have to listen to them. At least they care and take this very seriously.
@kzaiman #EMID We aren’t talking about a charter or an ALC here.
@efceleste #EMID Swanson worries about the unknowns in Perpich funding. Will we lose her vote? SWC has a concrete proposal, she says.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Swanson makes a statement against the resolution.
@efceleste #EMID wonder what happens if they tied?
@CarrieCNM #EMID Nordstrom reads a prepared statement. Its not looking good folks.
@CarrieCNM #EMID A tie is a real possibility too.
@efceleste #EMID turning on “members of the collaborative” and interests of taxpayers
@efceleste #EMID Cindy hits the nail on the head: I will not vote for a state agency to open a school in our backyard. That is the real issue.
@CarrieCNM #EMID A tie is our best hope.
@efceleste #EMID we cannot win Perpich, at best we tie… So sad.
@efceleste #EMID Gogins declares for Perpich option and choices for parents in the metro area.
@efceleste #EMID I believe we will lose, I doubt chair Hoeppner will let this end in a tie.
@CarrieCNM #EMID Going to lose my battery. I leave it to the rest of you to keep the info flowing!
@efceleste #EMID Gelbmann claims he tried to give Perpich a chance with the April 1 motion, now I understand why he did it, masterful.
@efceleste #EMID Gelbmann’s “hard vote” will be against Perpich. This board needs to take responsibility, not the legislature.
@kzaiman #EMID Why won’t Gelbman abstain like Goggins did?
@efceleste #EMID Byron reminds the board that we are in business not for buildings or property, but for students.
@efceleste #EMID Note, Gelbmann, is not abstaining. Gogins abstained from the Roseville vote.
@efceleste #EMID George is softly declaring for Perpich, I think…
@efceleste #EMID Williams acknowledges she is new, and has been listening even as she lost her father last week.
@efceleste #EMID her dad told her to stand still and listen. She will support Perpich.
@efceleste #EMID Brodrick, on nights like this I am proud to be a school board member. Impressed and proud of his colleagues.
@efceleste #EMID Brodrick makes it a tie, or a loss.
@efceleste #EMID Brodrick says he will vote for Perpich
@efceleste #EMID it is a tie, unless Gelbmann abstains.
@efceleste #EMID Deborah form Perpich asks to clarify a few things. The board allows this.
@efceleste #EMID she notes that the board giving the go-ahead will give them the option for due diligence
@efceleste #EMID now Mackert is in the hot seat. That is helpful, I hope.
@efceleste #EMID two hopes, Swanson was a soft “no” and Gelbmann may abstain. This could not be tighter. Breath. Know hope.
@efceleste #EMID Mackert emphasizes that she does not consider Perpich a long shot at the legislature and that much of the funding is repurposed.
@efceleste #EMID She asks the board to remember the Governor is boldly supporting education funding.
@efceleste #EMID this is an EXCITING vote… I wonder how it turns out.
@efceleste #EMID board votes, Gelbmann votes no, 5-5 tie
@artedrox #EMID What’s happening now? This is so stressful!
@efceleste #EMID back after a five minute break
@efceleste #EMID Kitty moves a reconsideration of be amendment to go with an April 1 deadline. Oh my.
@efceleste #EMID board votes to reconsider the April 1 amendment
@efceleste #EMID it looks like Perpich will get until April 1st (happy birthday, Alex)
@efceleste #EMID I expect the amendment will pass this time, and then the motion may pass if Gelbmann changes his vote, as he said he would
@efceleste #EMID remember, this lost last time 6-4
@efceleste #EMID Williams asks what will be sufficient evidence of funding for the purpose of this vote…
@efceleste #EMID Gelbmann says that Perpich could push a bill separate from the omnibus education bill
@efceleste #EMID both houses of legislature would have to pass the Perpich bill by April 1, through all committees
@efceleste #EMID this is asking for a miracle, says Gelbmann
@efceleste #EMID Mackerrt tries to clarify Perpich statement on dates, we would have indication by April 1, but no guarantee by April 1
@efceleste #EMID at a minimum, this will keep EMID families engaged with the EMID board through April. Breath.
@efceleste #EMID Kitty asks whether there is any date between the end of the session and April 1 that would be compelling enough to change the vote.
@kzaiman #EMID WHY is he being allowed to run the meeting?!
@efceleste #EMID vote on April 1 passes 7-3
@efceleste #EMID now back to the main motion, give it to Perpich with an April 1 deadline
@efceleste #EMID Gelbmann changes his vote, it passes 6-4.
@efceleste #EMID Perpich has until April 1 to get authority and funding for Crosswinds.
@efceleste #EMID silence in the room, no applause, hardly a breath
@efceleste #EMID board keeps Crosswinds alive by a thread, meeting adjourned.
Yikes, so what does that all mean?
First of all, it means that bottom line: Perpich gets a shot. Getting this done by April 1 is very very difficult, but it is a shot.
Frequently asked questions at the meeting…
Q: The board tied on its first vote to give Perpich the whole legislative session to get the job done. Who wins a tie?
A: A tie defeats a motion, so we lost that vote.
Q: Gogins abstained from the Harambee vote since Roseville made the proposal, didn’t Gelbmann have to abstain from the Crosswinds vote since South Washington County was one of the proposals?
A: No. Gogin’s abstention was graceful, but not required. Clearly Gelbmann really wanted to block Perpich getting the full legislative session to get its authority and funding. The only way to do this was to vote, and he had every right to vote “no.”
Q: So, did we win?
A: Well, the Perpich plan goes on to the Minnesota Legislature, which I count as a win. We get too little time to get a bill passed, so that is a feeble win. But we live to fight another day.
Q: Can we win in the legislature?
A: The April 1 deadline makes this a very tough fight. Instead of becoming a part of the overall education debate at the legislature, we now need to help Perpich pass a separate bill on a very abbreviated timeline. This is almost unheard of, but not impossible. We will have to work together and work very closely with Perpich. It can be done.
Q: What’s next?
A: Get ready to talk to your state representative and state senator about the importance of Crosswinds to the whole state. Stay tuned, we’ll be working on talking points and sharing more specific ideas very soon.