Page Title

The Victoria Lions We Serve.

Weddings, Proms, All Formal Occasions

Waconia 952-442-6383

Crossroads Medical Centers, P.A.

Chaska 448-2050

Shakopee 496-6700 Prior Lake 447-1700

St. Bonifacius * 952-446-1338

Holy Family Catholic High School

Victoria * 952-443-4659

Explained Cara, “Some utility companies are more pro-active in getting their facilities underground. Our goal is to save every tree that we can.”

Councilmember Tim Amundsen asked staff to supply a map showing the areas and borders of Victoria served by Xcel Energy and Minnesota Valley Electric.

Resident Brad Scott said he was in the construction business and Caterpillar laid of 20% of its workforce. About projected costs and bids he advised the city engineer, “Don’t go in with false assumptions.”

Said Cara, “Typically we see a lot of bidders on a project like this. We’re looking to see more bidders at this time.”

Said resident Mike Jeurissen, “I wanted this project last time and I sure hope you do it this time.”

THE NEW CHANHASSEN HIGH SCHOOL

HAS THE FEEL OF A COLLEGE CAMPUS

Paul McMahan, principal of the new Chanhassen High School, spoke to Victoria City Councilmembers on February 23rd about an educational plan for School District 112 entitled, “Each Learner Prepared for Success.”

“Students must have post secondary skills when they leave us,” said Mr. McMahan, “whether or not they go to college, to prepare for a global economy. They must be strong communicators once they leave our district ...

“What should learning look like? Curriculum teams have been working on this. How do we develop a culture of community and learning? A college model is coming to high school. Middle schools also are going through a transformation and becoming exploratory ... It’s an exciting time. We want to allow kids to be competitive in a global market ...,

“July 1st we take ownership of the new high school. We’re on schedule, maybe even ahead of schedule. Our high school is warm and it fosters a relationship between students and adults. It almost has the feel of a college campus, which is what we wanted. We’ve been doing tours. Contact me if you’d like a tour. We’re very proud of it. I’m very excited about Chanhassen High School.”

Asked Councilmember Jim Paulsen, “Will a Great Books program be part of the curriculum?”

Replied Mr. McMahan, “We’re looking at more classical types of books.”

Stated Councilmember Tom O’Connor, “I’ve long felt that our students are functionally illiterate when it comes to economics. I applaud you for including it.”

Mr. McMahan said that individual student learning plans are designed to “reduce the scope and concentrate the depth.” He said the plan “must result in advanced work and community service.”

Asked Councilmember Kim Roden, “How will you get students to test themselves, to take courses that are best for them rather than for their GPA?”

Replied Mr. McMahan, “Class rank is a big issue right now. We’re doing accelerated classes rather than honors classes. We’re looking at weighted classes. The curriculum has to be reviewed on an annual basis. Kids have access to unlimited information today with the internet. Part of our job is to help them know what part of what they’re reading on the internet is factual.”

Three public school districts serve the residents of Victoria -- Chaska, Waconia, and Minnetonka. Most Victoria students attend District

PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEE TERMINATED

VICTORIA’S IS A SMALL DEPARTMENT

Council voted 3-1 on Monday, February 23rd, to terminate Victoria Public Works employee Lee Otto. Stated City Administrtor Don Uram, “I am recommending the termination of Lee Otto. He has been out since January of 2007. Based on information we have, from the health provider, he would be unable to provide the tasks necessary for the job.”

Stated City Attorney Mike Norton, “The evidence we have is really quite compelling. It doesn’t appear there will be health improvements in the future.”

Added Don Uram, “Until that time we can’t continue to pay vacation and accrued leave and benefits as we have been. The report is that he cannot return to his job because of the physical requirements. This is a small department. There’s a mismatch here. I believe Mr. otto has been able to take advantage of all the medical treatments and benefits he can.”

Councilmember Tom O’Connor stated, “He is an at-will employee. We don’t need to have a reason, to be brutal.”

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