School Board
The Orono School Board is a six-member body elected by resident voters. All board meetings are open to the public unless the Board enters a closed session to discuss personnel matters or pending litigation. Meetings are typically held in the District Office Assembly Room at 685 Old Crystal Bay Road North on the second and fourth Mondays of the month. The public is provided opportunities to address the Board through Public Comment, email and telephone communication. You may contact a School Board member directly (see contact information under each member's photo, below) or address the Board via: oronoschoolboard@orono.k12.mn.us
A History of Commitment
The Orono School District has a long tradition of honorable public service and strong leadership to the community and students. The six-member board functions at a high level and is aligned with national best practices. The Orono School Board was formed in 1949 by pillars in the communities the district serves. Strong leaders such as Russell Johnson from Independence and John Pillsbury, Jr. from Lake Minnetonka were pioneers in community service. Their belief in service and care for children has remained a hallmark of membership through 51 board members over 73 years of dedication to excellence in education. The role of a board member is bound by distinct laws, protocols, regulations, norms and best practice. Effective board members spend significant time listening, leading and engaging in the work of governance.
You many contact a School Board member directly or address the Board via: oronoschoolboard@orono.k12.mn.us
Upcoming Board Meetings
2023-24 Meeting Information
Agendas, Minutes and Links to Recordings.
- August 21, 2023 - Regular Business Meeting
- September 11, 2023 - Regular Business Meeting
- September 25, 2023 - Brief Meeting Followed by Work Session
- October 9, 2023 - Regular Business Meeting
- October 23, 2023 - Brief Meeting Followed by Work Session
- November 13, 2023 - Regular Business Meeting
- December 11, 2023 - Regular Business Meeting
- January 8, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting (Organizational Meeting)
- January 22, 2024 - Brief Meeting Followed by Work Session
- February 12, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting
- February 26, 2024 - Brief Meeting Followed by Work Session
- March 11, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting
- April 8, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting
- April 22, 2024 - Brief Meeting Followed by Work Session
- May 13, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting
- June 10, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting
August 21, 2023 - Regular Business Meeting
September 11, 2023 - Regular Business Meeting
September 25, 2023 - Brief Meeting Followed by Work Session
October 9, 2023 - Regular Business Meeting
October 23, 2023 - Brief Meeting Followed by Work Session
November 13, 2023 - Regular Business Meeting
December 11, 2023 - Regular Business Meeting
January 8, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting (Organizational Meeting)
January 22, 2024 - Brief Meeting Followed by Work Session
February 12, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting
February 26, 2024 - Brief Meeting Followed by Work Session
March 11, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting
April 8, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting
April 22, 2024 - Brief Meeting Followed by Work Session
May 13, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting
June 10, 2024 - Regular Business Meeting
Meetings & Communication
The Orono School Board values engagement with families and the community. There are multiple ways to connect with the Board.
Governance, Policies, Elections, Orono Action
Meet the School Board
mike.bash@orono.k12.mn.us
952-473-7920
Committees:
- Co-curricular
- Facilities and Finance
- Board Policy
- AMSD Board (Association of Metropolitan School Boards) alternate
- Educational Cooperative Service Unit (ECSU)
- MSHSL (Minnesota State High School League)
- Long Lake Community Liaison
sarah.borchers@orono.k12.mn.us
763-370-4647
Committees:
- Facilities and Finance
- Board Policy
- Curriculum and Accountability Council
- Orono Healthy Youth
- Spartan Parent Association
- Medina Community Liaison
ali.howe@orono.k12.mn.us
763-479-0343
Committees:
- Negotiations
- Co-curricular
- Community Education Advisory Council
- Orono Healthy Youth
- Special Education Parent Association
- Independence Community Liaison
laura.wallander@orono.k12.mn.us
651-336-3826
Committees:
- Negotiations
- Co-curricular
- Orono Action Steering Committee
- Community Education Advisory Council
- Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Advisory Committee
- Orono Ice Arena Board
- Parent Teacher Organization
- Teacher Meet and Confer
- Minnetonka Beach Community Liaison
wendy.lundsgaard@orono.k12.mn.us
612-423-9075
Committees:
- Negotiations
- Orono Action Steering Committee
- Curriculum & Accountability Council
- ECFE Advisory Committee (Early Childhood Family Education)
- Middle School Parent Association
- Staff Development
- Teacher Meet and Confer
- Maple Plain Community Liaison
todd.madson@orono.k12.mn.us
630-629-9251
Committees:
- Facilities and Finance
- AMSD Board (Association of Metropolitan School Boards)
- MSBA (MN School Boards Association) Local Legislative Liaison
- Orono City/School Communication
- Orono Foundation for Education
- Parent Teacher Organization
- Staff Development
- Orono Community Liaison