Category Archives: Crosswinds

Insight into the synergy between Crosswinds and Perpich

At last night’s board meeting Dan Larson gave this very moving testimony about the links between Crosswinds and Perpich.

As a parent of both Crosswinds and Perpich students and a teacher in a former EMID district, I feel I have a unique perspective to share about the impending Perpich proposal and my enthusiasm for its possibilities.

As an educator, I recognize the academic success that Crosswinds has accomplished. In the two of the past four years, Crosswinds has surpassed the state average in graduation reading scores for the state. This is quite the accomplishment considering a free and reduced lunch rate hovering around 50 percent.

But the soul of Crosswinds is its culture of inclusion. It is a unique culture that I have not witnessed in any other environment in 20 years of teaching. Students do not segregate themselves by skin color, activities, or the clothes their wear. They are a blend of backgrounds that have been guided into one cohesive family by an outstanding staff and program.

I know this because before my son came to Crosswinds, he was described as socially awkward, odd, different, and all buzzwords you read or hear on the news describing young men doing unimaginable things. He was required to have a full time paraprofessional; we were informed that his teacher did not feel safe around him, and we were asked to supply our own mode of transportation to after school church activities because of parent concerns.

We came to Crosswinds as our last hope. At the end of his sixth grade year and first year at Crosswinds, it was time for his annual IEP meeting. The school made the recommendation that he be removed from his IEP because he did not exhibit the issues and behaviors that were documented in our home district. I believe that staff had worked a miracle.

At Crosswinds, he was accepted and was introduced to a curriculum that was innovative and rich with arts and rigor. After finishing at Crosswinds, he was accepted at the Arts High School at the Perpich Center for the Arts. There he has received an academic and art instruction that is unparalleled, and recently, he has been accepted to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago which is regarded as one of the top art schools in the country. These schools changed his life, and I will be eternally grateful.

With this in mind, I believe these schools are a perfect match for each other. Their arts focus gives students with the desire to create an avenue and expert instruction. There is not a football or hockey team to overshadow their accomplishments. They are valued and validated every day through curriculum and programing. By giving the building to another, it would be just another school with a focus that could change the next time a new superintendent is hired, or if he or she reads a book or attends a conference on the next initiative in education. The unique programming and the school’s soul would be lost.

I encourage the board to do what is best for our children that are creative and vote to continue the schools culture, mission–and yes, soul–by approving the transfer of governance to Perpich Center for Arts Education. Thank you.

Northeast Metro 916 makes a proposal for Crosswinds

Connie Hayes, Superintendent of Northeast Metro 916 Intermediate School District, brought the 916 proposal for governance of Crosswinds to the EMID Board at last night’s meeting. She had visited the building this month and found:

The design of Crosswinds is very unique and interesting. It seems to be a great design for the program for which it was initially intended. The design does, however, create some significant challenges for the population which we would bring to the school.

In fact, she went on to describe that in order to use the building 916 would essentially have to gut the interior and build a much more traditional facility inside the shell of Crosswinds. In fact, 916 really can’t use more than half the space and would have to seek a partner to use the other half of the building. They even considered building a separate building in the Crosswinds “backyard” but found that building on the wetlands is likely prohibited.

Hayes made if very clear that 916 had no intention of maintaining any of Crosswinds’ program. Their only interest is in the building, and even that interest is contingent on the feasibility of renovating the interior. A study to determine that feasibility would likely take a while, so they also were not really interested in taking over the building until 2014.

Perpich Center for Arts Education makes a proposal for Crosswinds

The Perpich Center for Arts Education presented a proposal to take over Crosswinds to the EMID Board at last night’s meeting. Most impressive, on less than a few weeks notice, was the fact that the Perpich board had already authorized their executive director, Sue Mackert, to explore governance of Crosswinds. “The Board recognizes the synergy and strength of Crosswinds with Perpich Center philosophy of bringing urban, rural, and suburban students together in effective educational programs focused on teaching in and through the arts.

Senior Policy Director Pam Paulson, Arts High School Director Carlondrea Hines, and Senior Communications person Debra Kelley shared the most detailed proposal the board has seen yet for Crosswinds while noting that a vast amount of work would still need to go into creating a true plan. Perpich, they pointed out, is a state agency currently without any authority to govern a school like Crosswinds. This authority would need to be sought from the legislature, and given the complexities of the legislative process no promises could likely be made till May or June. They outlined aggressive plans to meet with EMID administrators, state agencies, Crosswinds staff, families, and even the Governor within the next month.

Perpich Center understands that operating a school focused in the arts and sciences also requires incorporation of some non-traditional models of teaching, as well as a commitment to explore and incorporate alternative models in which to evaluate student performance. These educational practices require ongoing assessment, teacher professional development and staff access to research and resources. The unique offerings within the Perpich Center, including access to professional development, planning services and an arts education library — all would be of great benefit to Crosswinds.

Perpich pointed out that they would not expect Crosswinds to be a “feeder school” for the Arts High School. They respect the staff of Crosswinds and intend to protect staff positions, but anticipate there would be some eliminations or mergers of staff. They also are eager to disseminate lessons of Crosswinds to educators statewide.

Of course, gaining the authority to govern Crosswinds would be a huge hurdle for Perpich. Even if that authority is granted, the funds to make the takeover possible might not be made available until the 2014/2015 school year. While the goal of the Perpich team is to meet the timeline initially set forth by the EMID Board for a 2013/2014 takeover, there is a chance EMID would be asked to maintain Crosswinds for one more year.

A very busy EMID week

As our kids enjoy the last pre-vacation week of classes, a lot of EMID business is being done across three school districts. This is just a heads up about the meetings this week, with hopes that you can find time this busy week to make your presence felt.

Both Roseville and South Washington County continue to press their proposals to take over Harambee and Crosswinds. South Washington County will present a revised proposal at the EMID board meeting this week (board packet, work session agenda). We also expect proposals from the Perpich Center for Arts Education and District 916. It will be very interesting to see what new players bring to the table. Also, this week the Stillwater Area Schools (ISD 834) are presenting a request to withdraw from the EMID collaborative altogether. The EMID board meets Wednesday (12/19) at Harambee, their work session starts at 5pm and the regular meeting starts at 6pm.

Roseville’s plan met with general approval from the board and families last month. Though the Roseville agenda does not include any mention of EMID, they do have an update from their Equity and Integration Advisory Committee which may touch on Harambee. Roseville board meets Tuesday (12/18), 6:30pm, at the District Center located at 1251 County Road B2 West.

South Washington County has formed a task force to clarify its plans for Crosswinds. The South Washington agenda does not have any Crosswinds items on it, but if you live in that district it would be very helpful to monitor this meeting anyway. The South Washington board meets Thursday (12/20), 7pm, at their District Service Center in Cottage Grove.

Superintendent Mohr Recaps Progress on Harambee and Crosswinds

Superintendent Janet Mohr joined the Crosswinds Community Partnership for an update on plans for EMID schools last night (3 December 2012). Recapping the EMID Board meeting last week she described the Roseville (ISD 623) plans for taking over Harambee on 1 July 2013 and South Washington County (ISD 833) efforts to clarify their intentions. Both plans can be found in the EMID Board packet from last week.

Roseville’s plan for a “seamless transition” of Harambee to their district was well received by the EMID Board. They intend to keep as much of the program intact as possible, including welcoming as many current teachers, staff, and administrators as possible to stay. This is not a guarantee that everyone would have jobs in the new “Harambee Community School,” but it was quite encouraging. Since the takeover would technically be a “withdrawal” of EMID member districts from Harambee, staff of the school would have an option of pursuing positions at any of the eight districts withdrawing students. However, Roseville also plans to “grandmother” existing Harambee students into the school, allowing them to finish their education at Harambee if they wish. They are also working with the Minnesota Department of Education to arrange continuing transportation of these grandmothered kids to Harambee. As Mohr said, “the devil is in the details” and much has yet to be worked out, but in broad outline it appears that much of Harambee would remain as it is today.

The plan for Crosswinds submitted by South Washington County was significantly less fully formed. While ISD 833 is clearly interested in taking over the school, they did not make any commitments about what kind of program they would put in place at Crosswinds. They have formed a task force that includes one current Crosswinds parent, Kelly DeBrine, to rework that proposal. Mohr expects them to bring more details to the EMID Board meeting coming up on December 19. It was noted that South Washington is experiencing growth at the elementary and middle school level, but not yet at the high school level. These and other demographic realities of the district will have a bearing on the program they could support in Crosswinds.

The EMID Board also asked Superintendent Mohr to “open up” the Crosswinds process to organizations outside our member districts. Given technicalities of the ownership and allowed uses of the Crosswinds building, only public subdivisions of some sort may make proposals. Mohr said that these would include “intermediate school districts” and the Perpich Center for Arts Education. Some interest has been expressed by ISD 916 (the district from which Mohr came to EMID), but nobody had yet reached out to Perpich to let them know of the opportunity to make a proposal on December 19.

South Washington also asked the EMID Board to continue their governance of Crosswinds through the next school year (2013-2014) so that ISD 833 could have a full year to develop plans and prepare for a takeover. Mohr said that EMID administration has begun a study of the feasibility of sustaining the Crosswinds school under EMID governance for another year. This may well be possible, but again, things should be clearer by the December 19 board meeting.

Superintendent Mohr asked that families please contact her directly with any ideas or concerns. Plans are moving along swiftly and she would like to incorporate as much of our thinking as possible. She can be reached at 651-379-2701 and janet.mohr@emid6067.net.

Also, some video from the November board meeting is available at Vimeo, with more to come later this week when we get our next block of free storage space.

UPDATE: Superintendent Mohr has just sent a letter that covers much of this territory.

Pioneer Press: East Metro Integration District schools: Harambee, Crosswinds face closing

Megan Boldt has a story in the Pioneer Press: “East Metro Integration District schools: Harambee, Crosswinds face closing“. She writes about the EMID Board’s efforts to divest itself of schools at the same time that a new DFL majority in the legislature takes on the challenge of future integration funding.

Now, the Roseville and South Washington County school districts want to take over Harambee and Crosswinds, respectively. The districts presented their proposals to the EMID board last week. Board members are expected to make a decision this month.

“We’re not happy about the situation,” said Eric Celeste, a St. Paul parent who has sent two children to EMID schools. “What’s important to us now is that as much of the programs of Harambee and Crosswinds as possible be preserved.

“We’re so focused on academics right now that we forget our schools are supposed to be creating better citizens. And integration does that.”

The article does a good job of laying out the complexity of the situation, including the financial constraints on EMID and the uncertainty of future state actions.

An encouraging quote from our own superintendent wraps up the story:

EMID Superintendent Janet Mohr said the district would keep families apprised of the process and new information as it arises.

“We will continue with our conviction to promptly communicate with our staff and families so they have the information they need to make the necessary decisions for themselves and their children.”

At least the tone of the conversation this year is quite different from last!

Bulletin: Crosswinds addition could be opportune

The editors of the Woodbury Bulletin endorsed a South Washington County (ISD 833) takeover of Crosswinds: Our View: Crosswinds addition could be opportune. “On the surface,” they say, “this appears to be a two-birds-with-one-stone solution.” But they also ask a number of questions:

What’s to come of the current curriculum offered at Crosswinds?

If the current arts- and science-based curriculum remains, where do District 833 students take that specialized education after 10th grade?

Though the building has been paid for by the state and a portion of operating funds are already covered by 833, will that cover all the costs? How much additional funding could District 833 be on the hook for? What fills the gap of EMID dollars steered toward Crosswinds that would presumably go away under an 833 takeover?

Would the integration model remain in any capacity?

Bulletin: Panel balks at plan to acquire Crosswinds school

Scott Wente writes in the Woodbury Bulletin: “Panel balks at District 833 plan to acquire Crosswinds school.” This headline is really not accurate, the subhead does much more justice to the events of last night’s EMID Board meeting: “South Washington County Schools submitted an incomplete plan to take over the Crosswinds school in Woodbury, but had faced a tight deadline and was granted more time to develop its proposal.”

A divided EMID board gave District 833 and certain other organizations that want to continue running Crosswinds about a month to prepare proposals for the school’s future. District 833 had been considered the sole suitor for the school.

EMID board members who supported broadening the search for a new Crosswinds operator said that move should not be viewed as a vote against District 833. Rather, they said, EMID needs to consider all of its options and acknowledged giving District 833 little time to prepare its initial proposal.

Note the picture that accompanied the article, the videos should be posted on EMID Families some time soon.

Bulletin: South Washington County Moving Forward on Crosswinds

Judy Spooner writes in the Woodbury Bulletin: “District 833 School Board moves forward on Crosswinds takeover.”

Board members unanimously agreed to proceed with a letter of interest to the East Metro Integration District, which can no longer afford to operate the integration school.

Unfortunately she seemed a bit confused about the finances, which is not unusual even for members of our own board.

South Washington County Schools gets most of its integration money, about $2.4 million, from the state. There is also a local levy with District 833 contributing $1 million to EMID with two-thirds of the money going to operate the two schools.

In fact, no integration funds at all are being spent on the two EMID schools. The EMID Board decided last year that all integration funds would be spent on shared services and the schools would only get “backpack” funding from the state.

EMID Board Considers Plans from Roseville and South Washington Tonight

At tonight’s EMID Board meeting Superintendent Mohr will share plans from Roseville and South Washington County for the acquisition of Harambee and Crosswinds. The EMID Board meets at Harambee at 5:30pm tonight, Wednesday 11/28. Public input will be allowed during the open forum at the beginning of the meeting. The proposals from Roseville and South Washington County are available in the board packet.

Roseville proposes a takeover of Harambee that would leave most of Harambee’s program intact but drastically change the student body in coming years. The good news is that they hope to “grandmother” in existing students, but starting with the 2013-2014 Kindergarten class they would follow Roseville enrollment guidelines and only accept outside students as “open enrollment” students. They hope to operate the “Harambee Community School” as a year-round school with as much of the current staff in place as possible. They would ask the Minnesota Department of Education to continue funding of transportation for “grandmothered” students for as long as they are at Harambee.

South Washington County is considerably fuzzier in its proposal. They ask EMID to continue to govern Crosswinds through at least the 2013-2014 school year while they study the impact and options they have to integrate Crosswinds into their district. They make no commitments to continuing the programming present at Crosswinds in the 2014-2015 school year or beyond.

The EMID Board will hear these proposals tonight, but not make any decisions today. They are also considering adding a working session at 5pm on before their meeting on Wednesday 12/19 to further consider the proposals and their implications for the schools.