Pair of Orono School District Teachers Granted Tenure

Orono Middle School English teacher Katie Stanley and Orono Intermediate School fourth-grade teacher Lanette Marchbanks have been granted tenure by Orono Schools. This noteworthy accomplishment was celebrated in a ceremony as part of the Nov. 19 School Board meeting. 

Also recognized during the ceremony were Stanley’s mentor, Dr. Amanda Sass-Henke, and OMS Principal Dr. Patricia Wroten, as well as Marchbanks’ mentor, Kristen Thatcher, and OIS Principal Dr. Scott Alger.

Stanley came to Orono from Lakeville Area Schools and worked in Apple Valley-Rosemount-Eagan Schools prior to that. She has a bachelor of science degree in secondary education and a bachelor of arts degree in writing from Drake University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Stanley received a master’s degree in elementary education from the College of St. Catherine.

“During her short tenure in the district, Ms. Stanley has become a respected and valued member of our school community,” said Wroten. “Katie willingly contributes her time, knowledge and leadership skills to building and district-level initiatives, and is an active problem solver during meetings and the implementation of initiatives.”

Marchbanks previously taught at Maranatha Christian Academy in Minneapolis. She began her career as a classroom paraeducator at Orono Intermediate School and also as a substitute teacher there. She received her undergraduate degree in biology from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., and her elementary teaching license from Augsburg College. She received her master’s degree in educational leadership from Bethel University.

“Lanette has quickly established a reputation as a caring teacher, and continues to build supportive relationships with families,” noted Alger.

The state’s tenure law provides continuing contract status for new teachers who have successfully completed three years of teaching in a district. Teachers and principals who have achieved tenure in another district need to complete one successful year to achieve tenure.

Granting tenure is taken very seriously in Orono, said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Karen Orcutt, and teachers must meet rigorous standards and expectations in order to receive it.