Curt Carpenter, Clear Springs principal gave a moving presentation to the board on the India Partnership: Peace Through Understanding. This partnership began last year as a cultural exchange initiative in order to build relationships between three Indian schools and Clear Springs Elementary. Curt recently returned from a visit to the schools where he was welcomed warmly and enthusiastically by administrators, teachers and especially the students. Curt brought letters from 95 fourth graders at Clear Springs addressed to specific participating students at each of the Indian schools. The children were incredibly excited to hear from Minnetonka kids and will be writing return letters in the coming weeks. Program costs are privately financed but contributions for FedEx mailers are appreciated. Contact Curt Carpenter at Clear Springs Elementary if you are interested in supporting this incredible initiative. As Curt states, “Dream bi g. You never know what could happen with kids connecting throughout the world.”
The board conducted considerable discussion around the legislative position statements in light of the newly elected Minnesota Legislature’s Democratic majority. Considerable discussion was focused on whether to push for full state funding from the General Education Fund while de-emphasizing reliance on the ability to levy for funds locally through a referendum to make up for any shortfalls. CASE’s number one goal this time around is to push for stable state education funding. They also are emphasizing full funding for Special Education. The idea is that by funding Special Ed. Other funding issues would be resolved.
A final board vote on the 2007 Legislative Position Statements is scheduled for the December 7, 2006 school board meeting.