Changes at ISD 191: Renovations, New Staff and More Technology

Talk about starting with a clean slate. The 2013-2014 school year in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 promises plenty of change—and the first day isn't even here yet. 

Change at the Top 

The district has three new leaders. Superintendent Joe Gothard replaces Randy Clegg, who retired in late June. Gothard is joined by Cindy Amoroso, who succeeds Chris Lindholm as assistant superintendent. Both started on July 1.

In addition to the top two administrators, there has been some turnover on the Board of Education as well. Just before the school year ended Abigail Alt was chosen to fill a vacancy left by Paula Teiken, who resigned from the board in spring.

There has also been a substantial amount of change at the school level. According to a recent release from the district, nearly 70 new teachers have been hired to replace those who have retired or left the district. Four elementary schools will also have new principals: Barbara Borer at Rahn, Drew Goeldner at Sky Oaks,Shannon McParland at Sioux Trail, and Erika Nesvig at Harriet Bishop. 

BHS gets Spruced Up

Both campuses of Burnsville High went through extensive renovation over the summer. 

At the main campus, new seating and flooring has been installed in the Mraz Center for the Performing Arts. The school's kitchen and cafeteria have been also been updated. 

New Programs, New Technology

The district is expanding its string instrument program to Rahn Elementary School of Arts & Technology in Eagan. The program will be modeled on existing strings programs at Harriet Bishop Elementary and Eagle Ridge Junior High. 

The Board of Education approved the new program in February as a part of the new budget for Fiscal Year 2014, which includes a $260,000 increase in personnel for education outside the three Rs—instructors who teach classes in physical education, health, art, and music.

This year, Neill Elementary School will be on the cutting edge of educational  technology. The school has been outfitted with including interactive white boards, projectors, iPads and document cameras. The gear will be a part of every classroom in 2013-2014. 

~Article written by Patch Editor Clare Kennedy