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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

Watch School Board Meetings Live

Meetings will livestream automatically on the School Board YouTube channel at 7:00 p.m. on the designated meeting day.

School Board Meeting Livestream Image

Upcoming Board Meetings

2023-24 Meeting Information

Agendas, Minutes and Links to Recordings.

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, Chair

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, Vice Chair

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, Treasurer

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, Clerk

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, Director

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, Director

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