Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Council about the process; therefore, Keith Paulson, Transportation Director is present to <br />. talk about this issue. <br /> <br />Keith Paulson, Transportation Director, Anoka-Hennepin School District, stated that <br />closing schools and changing boundaries is always a tough process. He went through the <br />process for closing the schools and the timeline. He summarized the boundary change <br />guiding principles and the boundary proposals, the in-district transfer and open <br />enrollment. He concluded with the time line for the next steps. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig expressed concern about busing Ramsey kids to Andover and that <br />some of Ramsey's kids are in the Elk River School District. <br /> <br />Mayor Ramsey stated that when we talked about this issue, the District talked about <br />closing schools but that there could be a chance for a middle school for Ramsey. There is <br />a better chance for that if we get the bridge across. As far as keeping all of Ramsey's <br />kids in the Anoka-Hennepin School District - that will not happen. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen inquired if there has ever been an analysis of transportation costs <br />for busing, including time, etc. <br /> <br />Mr. Paulson responded no. He talked more about where the District has room available <br />and about in-district transfer and open enrollment. <br /> <br />Councilmember Jeffrey inquired with regard to open enrollment, would he have to apply <br />to the school he wants every year or once he is in, he's in. <br /> <br />Mr. Paulson was not sure and said he would have to check on that, but he believed one <br />would have to reapply annually. <br /> <br />Discussion ensued relating to how Ramsey could get Elk River kids back to Ramsey. <br /> <br />City Administrator Ulrich commented that he thinks there are people who would want to <br />stay in the Elk River School District. <br /> <br />Mayor Ramsey suggested that for the City, all one School District would be a great thing, <br />but in reality, he felt that would never happen. <br /> <br />Councilmember Elvig stated years ago, we fought for identity between Anoka and Elk <br />River. He saw this as a big problem - having our kids sent to other communities for <br />school. <br /> <br />Councilmember Dehen stated he would like to propose a survey and have that data. <br />What we choose to do with that data is a where the survey comes in. <br /> <br />Mayor Ramsey stated staff could come up with a survey and put it in with the utility bills; <br />however, he supposed people would not bother to send it back. <br /> <br />City Council Work Session - December I, 2009 <br />Page 2 of 16 <br />