Orno Public Schools Unveil Strategic Goals for 2026-2027, Expanding Athletic Opportunities and Modernizing Facilities
Superintendent Dr. Flesher highlights new Nordic Ski cooperative effective for the 2026-2027 school year, alongside crucial investments in student facilities and robust community partnerships.
Orno Public Schools are proactively shaping the future of student experiences and operational efficiency, with Superintendent Dr. Flesher outlining key strategic initiatives slated for the 2026-2027 academic year. Among these forward-looking plans is a significant restructuring of the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) cooperative sponsorship for Nordic Skiing, alongside substantial investments in district infrastructure and continued leveraging of community support.
The school board recently approved a resolution to dissolve the existing Nordic Ski cooperative with Delano Public Schools, a necessary step to clear the path for an expanded partnership. This strategic move aims to enhance competitive opportunities and access for student-athletes by including Rockford Area Schools in a new agreement, effective for the 2026-2027 school year.
Consequently, the existing cooperative with Delano needs to be dissolved prior to entering into the new cooperative sponsorship agreement with both schools. The first item is the dissolution of the partnership with Delano and the second item is the approval resolution to enter into a new partnership with both Delano and Rockford.
Under the terms of the new agreement, Orno Public Schools will serve as the host school, with Delano and Rockford participating as partner districts. This expanded cooperative is anticipated to foster greater collaboration and provide a more robust athletic experience for students across the participating communities.
I move to approve the MSHSL cooperative sponsorship agreement for Nordic Skiing Boys and Girls with Orno Public Schools acting as the host school and Delano public schools and Rockford area schools as participating districts effective for the 2026 2027 school year.
Enhancing Facilities and Student Well-being
Beyond athletic partnerships, the district is also making pivotal infrastructure investments to improve daily student services and program capabilities. A notable project approved by the board involves a comprehensive kitchen remodel at the Discovery Center, a central hub for various community and early learning programs. This upgrade is designed to address current logistical challenges and add significant value to on-site programming.
As a reminder to our broader community, we are unable currently to cook at the Discovery Center. We prepare all of the meals at other kitchens and then bring them over on a daily basis. So this will add significant value to our programs and primarily we're able to utilize excess federal food service dollars to support the project.
The district's strategic vision is further bolstered by enduring community support. The Orno Foundation for Education recently demonstrated its commitment by presenting an annual gift of $700,711. This substantial contribution highlights the strong belief the community holds in its schools and its continuous investment in enriching student and educator experiences.
The foundation's tireless fundraising efforts help the Orno schools to not choose between program options for our students, but rather enhance our students experiences through investing their in their education.
These strategic initiatives—from expanding inter-district athletic cooperation to modernizing facilities and fostering strong community partnerships—collectively underscore Orno Public Schools' dedication to creating a dynamic and supportive educational environment for the 2026-2027 school year and well into the future.
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Votes (4)
Orno Foundation for Education Annual Gift Presentation
Dissent: None
Katie Hollererman, outgoing chair, and Molly Hollererman, student volunteer, presented a gift of $700,711 from the Orno Foundation for Education. The funds are earmarked for various crucial district initiatives including general fund support for class sizes and AP courses, literacy, character education, educator excellence, and safety and security enhancements (e.g., new camera system). Molly shared insights into the positive student impact, particularly regarding the College and Career Center.
Approval for Discovery Center Kitchen Remodel Project Bid
Dissent: None
Moved by Board Member [During vote] · Seconded by Board Member [During vote]
Nick Tainter, Director of Business Services, presented details on the Discovery Center kitchen remodel project, which aims to enable on-site meal preparation. The project is funded by excess federal food service dollars. Following a bidding process with seven companies, Daring Pearson Group of Rogers, Minnesota, was identified as the lowest responsible bidder for a total contract of $365,570. The project is expected to start in January and be completed by late February with minimal disruption.
Resolution of Dissolution for MHSL Cooperative Sponsorship Agreement with Delano Schools (Nordic Ski)
Dissent: None
Moved by Board Member [During vote] · Seconded by Board Member [During vote]
The board discussed the necessity of dissolving the existing MHSL cooperative sponsorship agreement for Nordic Skiing with Delano Public Schools. This action was a precursor to establishing a new, expanded cooperative agreement that would include Rockford Area Schools, following their request to join the program.
Approval of New MSHSL Cooperative Sponsorship Agreement for Nordic Skiing with Delano and Rockford Schools
Dissent: None
Moved by Board Member [During vote] · Seconded by Board Member [During vote]
Following the dissolution of the previous agreement, the board considered and approved a new MSHSL cooperative sponsorship agreement for Nordic Skiing. Under this new agreement, Orno Public Schools will serve as the host school, with both Delano Public Schools and Rockford Area Schools participating as districts, effective for the 2026-2027 school year.
Notable Quotes (7)
The foundation's tireless fundraising efforts help the Orno schools to not choose between program options for our students, but rather enhance our students experiences through investing their in their education.
This 700,711 is a reflection of a community that believes deeply in its schools and continues to invest in its students and educators.
These numbers represent real things that students will experience every day. whether it's having supported t-shirts to or teachers, feeling safe at school, receiving a scholarship at scholarship night, or having resources that help us figure out what we want to do after graduation.
As a reminder to our broader community, we are unable currently to cook at the discovery center. um we prepare all of the meals at other kitchens and then bring them over on a daily basis. So this will add significant value to our programs and primarily we're able to utilize excess federal food service dollars to to support the project.
At the end of the day, Daring Pearson Group from Rogers, Minnesota submitted the low bit base bid in the amount of $354,000. A selection of alternates does not affect who will uh be the low bidder. We did have one alternate that was um included and that was also uh in conjunction with Darren Pearson's bid um to additional work on kitchen casework demolition and that was $11,570 which we're also recommending for um accepting as well.
Consequently, the existing cooperative with Delano needs to be dissolved prior to entering into the new cooperative sponsorship agreement with both schools. The first item is the dissolusion of the partnership with Delano and the second item is the approval resolution to enter into a new partnership with both Delano and Rockford.
I move to approve the MSHSL cooperative sponsorship agreement for Nordic Skiing Boys and Girls with Orno Public Schools acting as the host school and Delano public schools and Rockford area schools as participating districts effective for the 2026 2027 school year.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
The financial report for which Orno received the ASBO Certificate of Excellence.
Proposed strategic goals for the Superintendent for the upcoming school year.
Resolution to dissolve the existing Nordic Ski cooperative with Delano Public Schools.
Resolution to approve a new Nordic Ski cooperative with Orno, Delano, and Rockford area schools.
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Other Topics from This Document
School Year Start & Achievements
Financial Reporting Excellence & Oversight
Capital Improvement Projects & Planning
District Enrollment Trends
Orno Foundation for Education Annual Gift
Discovery Center Kitchen Remodel Project
Nordic Ski Cooperative Agreements Restructuring
Community Education Program Review and Future Initiatives
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