Orono Action

Orono Action is a nonpartisan committee of the Orono School Board with parent and community leadership that advocates for public education, specifically for the policies and funding that further the best educational outcomes for the students of our communities.

Committee leaders come from a variety of backgrounds, including medicine, education, law, small business owners, the social sciences, alumni, and long-standing community members.

If you wish to be considered for the Orono Action Committee, or if you have any questions, please feel free to email us at oronoaction@orono.k12.mn.us.

Orono Action advocates on behalf of our students by:

Developing a legislative platform endorsed by the School Board that articulates our legislative priorities.

The current platform was endorsed by the School Board on January 23, 2023:

1. Increase the basic formula allowance by 5 percent per year for the next two years, and index it to inflation thereafter.
2. Continue to increase the special education cross-subsidy aid.  For Orono, the special education cross-subsidy is approximately $2 million.
3. Increase state aid to allow hiring additional staff to address student mental health needs.
4. Refrain from enacting any new unfunded mandates and either fund or repeal existing unfunded mandates.

• Additional Provision: The Orono Action chairs, in consultation with the Orono School Board and superintendent, may advocate for additional positions supported by the Association of Metropolitan School Districts.
• Learn more about education funding in Minnesota here and/or in this presentation:
  “Making Sense of Public Education Funding.”

Communicating our priorities to the governor and local, state and federal legislators via email, phone and in person.

• Warren Limmer, MN Senate 37

• Kelly Morrison, MN Senate 45

• Andrew Myers, MN House 45A

• Kristin Robbins, MN House 37A

• Governor Tim Walz

• Dean Phillips – U.S. House 3

• Amy Klobuchar – U.S. Senate

• Tina Smith – U.S. Senate

Collaborating with additional stakeholders such as individuals, community leaders and other legislative action committees to further our priorities.

• Orono Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
• Orono Middle School Parent Association (OMSPA)
• Spartan Parent Association (SPA)
• Association of Metropolitan School Districts
• Hopkins Public Schools Legislative Action Coalition
• Robbinsdale Area Schools Legislative Action Coalition
• Wayzata Public Schools Legislative Action Committee