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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 03-19 Transfer of Crosswinds, Harambee schools makes headway at Legislature PIONEER PRESSTransfer of Crosswinds, Harambee schools makes headway at Legislature By ChristopherMagan cmagan@pioneerpress.com TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press Posted., TwinCities.com A year has made a big difference in the campaign to save two east -metro schools that have voluntary integration programs. Legislation to transfer control of Crosswinds Arts and Science School in Woodbury and Harambee Community Cultures and Environmental Science School in Maplewood to new operators has moved, so far, unobstructed through committees at the Capitol. That wasn't the case a year ago. Legislative roadblocks in the Senate forced the East Metro Integration District, or EMID, to negotiate last- minute management deals with the Perpich Center for Arts Education and Roseville Area Schools to run the schools until the transfers are approved. EMID's board decided in January 2013 that the programs were too expensive to continue as their 10 member districts requested other services to help integrate schools and close the achievement gap. Families whose children attend the elementary and middle schools fought to find new operators. Supporters played a key role in the schools' survival. After packing the Capitol last legislative session to see their schools left in limbo, many returned undeterred this year to make sure it didn't happen again. Lawmakers often see supporters such as Zander Danielson Sellie, a former Crosswinds student who is a regular at committee hearings about the two schools. Sellie believes his and others' perseverance has helped make the case for keeping the schools alive. "I think senators have noticed," Sellie said. "The fact that we have a school open with kids in it is quite the feat." Also helping matters is a decision by leaders of the South Washington County school district not to pursue acquiring the $26 million Crosswinds building to handle expected student enrollment increases. The district's interest in Crosswinds played a big role in the legislative stall last year, while Harambee's transfer to Roseville was less controversial. Crosswinds, which serves grades six through 10, has been in danger of closing for years but continues to draw students, said Jean Lubke, EMID superintendent. The school enrolled about 175 students in September after the decision to keep the program open came just days before the start of school. "Even with continued uncertainty, we have 40 more students enrolling for next fall over what we have this year, Lubke said. Eventually, her goal is to have about 300 pupils at the school. To keep Crosswinds and Harambee going permanently, legislation must be included in this year's bonding, finance and education bills. "I'm still cautiously optimistic, but I have more faith this year," Sellie said. "Things are moving." Christopher Magan can be reached at 651-228-5557. Follow him at twitter. comlchris_magan.