Public Hearing Recap

Dear Osseo Community,

I thought I would put together some highlights of the hearing last night for those who couldn't make the event. Whatever the outcome of this proposal we should be extremely proud of our town, community and school! The board is listening!

All the speakers that presented last night again had a different message that was very tactful and well thought out. We had an excellent mix from the Mayor John Hall and City Counsel Brian Kleven who had the board listening when he said "we have heard from you, school board". Then there was Kristy Chouinard, student, parent, employee, resident and PTA Treasurer, who brought forward fact after fact about our school and why they should reconsider. Tina Dolo did a super job talking about what the school and community has done for her family and son! Cynthia Wilson our school counselor and intervention specialist shared the critical role she has played in working with the kids and families that we have integrated from the other areas of the district. Casey Robertson one of our newest residents and parents brought down the house when he offered our volunteer spirit to help defer the "capital improvement" costs. Our very own 4th grader William Reber was so courageous, sharing his concerns about his friends and his experience as a student at OE. Then there was our die hard leader Shaune Younkers up there again showing the board what a fantastic model school we are and why they should reconsider. Duane Poppy talking about "what's right" from his heart, Shellie Marvin mentioned the school boards own criteria for closing schools why are they not following this? Todd Nagengast, another new parent, had several suggestions the board should consider. Sue Dooher very professionally and graciously asked them to reconsider. Finally there was Dorthy our 82 year old resident who felt compelled to speak and show how she supports our school and that we should all help to keep it going.

It was a great night to be an Osseo resident and parent our community spirit was so uplifting whatever the outcome we will remain strong and should be proud of where we are today.

Thank you to all who spoke and have supported this effort!

Sincerely,

Renee Miller
Osseo Resident, OE Parent, OE PTA President

Revised School Board Meeting Schedule

Here is the latest for the school board meetings:

• Public hearing on school closings, February 28, 6:30 pm at Osseo Senior High, Auditorium
• School Board Negotiations Strategies, March 5, 4 - 6 pm at the ESC (This negotiations strategies session is closed to the public)
• School Board Meeting has been changed to a Work Session, March 5, 6 - 9 pm at the ESC.
• Special Board Meeting has been added on March 11, 7 pm at the ESC (Board approves any school closings and boundary changes).

THIS WEEK IS BIG!

HI All!
This week is a BIG week! If you'd like to help PLAN the "speech" for the meeting, be at McDonald's on 81 at 7pm on Monday 2/18.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Tuesday 2/19! Wear ORANGE!
Arrive EARLY (by 5pm) if you hope to get into the Board Room. It'd be great if we could get a BUNCH of orange sitting together. Anyone interested can meet at 4:30 at Shaune Younkers house to car pool. Email shelliem@comcast.net if interested for an address.

Another car pool can meet at 5:30 at OE parking lot. Most likely these people will be in overflow seating somewhere.

Community Cafes WEDNESDAY 2/20 AT 6:30 PM. Also, wear orange. 3 locations: Osseo JUNIOR High, Maple Grove Sr. High, Park Center High

SPAGHETTI DINNER at OE on Thursday 2/21 from 5-7pm! Let's relax, decompress and do what we do best - have fun as a COMMUNITY!

Shaune Younkers along with several other Osseo parents hosted a meeting tonight with the following schools at United Methodist Church in Osseo;

Weaver Lake
Basswood
Elm Creek
Oak View
Rice Lake
Edinbrook
Cedar Island

Also in attendance were Osseo City Counsel Member Brian Kleven and School Board Member Dean Henke.

There was a lot of dialog about how to approach the school board on Wednesday night. Basically a statement is going to be drafted tomorrow that all schools will be in agreement on and will be prepared to present to the board on Wednesday. We are asking the board to consider stopping this proposal to offer all parties, parents, business owners, and taxpayers time for due process. We are requesting the board go into the district's reserve balance to cover the $16million at this point, go back in November and ask taxpayers for more funds and move forward to getting the teachers back.

We are stronger standing together as one united force and all schools that attended were in agreement. Due to the short notice of the meeting several schools that wanted to be there couldn't make it, we will be contacting the schools that were not able to make it asking them to join us in our united force on Wednesday.

Highlight tonight; Maple Grove City Counsel passed a resolution, like Osseo, to not support the District 279 proposal for school closings and boundry changes.

We need some representatives from Brooklyn Park to do the same!

ATTEND THE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING!

The first school board meeting is coming up Wednesday 2/6 at 8pm. It sounds like attendance will be high, you may want to arrive early! It's at 11200 - 93rd Avenue North in Maple Grove MN 55369. PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT! THE MORE THE MERRIER! It wouldn't be a bad idea for the speaker to ask all who are there to support OE to raise hands/stand up, etc. Let's show up in force!

Write a Letter!

EXPOSURE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR CAUSE!

After you write to the school board, please take time to write a letter to the editor.

For the Osseo-Maple Grove Press . . .

Articles should not exceed 500 words. You must inculde your full name, address, and phone number. ONLY your name and hometown will be published. Send articles to:

Sun Press and News
PO Box 280
Osseo, MN 55369

FAX: 763-425-4299

sunpressopinions@acnpapers.com

Osseo Elementary - The Original

The District 279 School Board is considering the option of closing Osseo Elementary. We need your help! Residents of Osseo, business owners, friends, and family . . . do what you can. Attend an informational meeting Wednesday night at 7:00 at Osseo Elementary.