Laserfiche WebLink
Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday,November 17, 2014 <br /> Page 12 <br /> Dr. Thein responded that a joint agreement was in place with Anoka/Ramsey as <br /> well as a dual track and partnership with St. Paul College through a collaborative <br /> with St. Louis Park, Fridley, Mounds View, Columbia Heights, and Centennial <br /> School Districts, providing students from Roseville the same options as students <br /> from those other districts. However, Dr. Thein noted that one of the challenges of <br /> the program was in the distance; but gave kudos to Mounds View and the <br /> Anoka/Ramsey District for making inroads in the program, with their staff willing <br /> and able to accept high school staff and recognize their expertise in working hand <br /> in hand. Dr. Thein noted that many Roseville District students had chosen offer- <br /> ings closer to home through the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Bethel Uni- <br /> versity, or the University of Minnesota for their post-secondary options; as well as <br /> the District being partnered with other Districts for their vocational options as <br /> well. Dr. Thein noted that this allows a student to get their credits for an Associ- <br /> ate's Degree (AA) while still in high school; and recognized that Irondale High <br /> School in the Mounds View School District had initiated that concept. <br /> Dr. Thein advised that the goal was in finding students who were slipping through <br /> the cracks; and noted that in a number of families, this may be the first generation <br /> college student; and the District wanted to open all the doors and available op- <br /> tions to those students. Of the first group of"AVID" students, Dr. Thein noted <br /> that of 44 graduates, 43 were enrolled in college; and the efforts had started at <br /> middle school. <br /> With distance a problem, Councilmember McGehee asked if it was possible to of- <br /> fer similar opportunities in the Roseville community. <br /> Dr. Thein responded that the District is in partnership for students to earn an AA <br /> college degree through training during high school, and provided several exam- <br /> ples being housed through Roseville Area High School, and the success of some <br /> of those students moving directly into the workforce. Dr. Thein also recognized <br /> the staff and cooperation with District 916 and Century College where a majority <br /> of Roseville Students attend and graduate. <br /> At the request of Councilmember Laliberte, Dr. Thein provided an update on the <br /> pressures on facilities and staff with open enrollment, especially at the secondary <br /> level; and the resulting closure of open enrollment at the high and middle school <br /> levels, or when space and design is an issue. Dr. Thein noted that open enroll- <br /> ment was driven by available staffing and as staffing/budget numbers are set an- <br /> nually, with some consideration given for open enrollment options. However, <br /> once enrollment reaches a certain level, Dr. Thein stated that open enrollment was <br /> closed. <br /> On behalf of questions she'd received from residents on the School's Referen- <br /> dum, Councilmember Laliberte asked for levy information, as set at the maximum <br />