Westonka Superintendent Updates Status of Harlem Shake Investigation, Announces Finance Award

As was discussed in last week’s Borg Report, the Westonka School Board has authorized an investigation of the events surrounding the Feb. 22 incident in the Mound Westonka High School lunchroom. The investigation is now underway and is being conducted by attorney Tessa Wagner. 

While some people have asked questions about details surrounding the incident, I am not in a position to comment, as the Board is overseeing the investigation.

According to School Board Chair Dave Botts, “In order to give these events the thorough examination that is clearly warranted, it would be premature to set a completion date. This investigation is the top priority of the board and we will use these findings to determine what changes should be made.”

Related posts:

• Westonka Superintendent Pens Letter to Community Regarding Harlem Shake Suspensions
• Westonka Resident Seeks Answers from Superintendent About 'Harlem Shake' Suspensions
• National Coalition Against Censorship to Westonka: 'Don’t Shake Down Kids Over Harlem Shake'
• Mound Westonka Places Athletic Director on Leave Following 'Harlem Shake' Suspensions

It is important for both school safety and a positive environment that school administrators continue to establish and enforce clear rules and expectations. 

Westonka Receives School Finance Award

The Minnesota Department of Education has once again honored Westonka Public Schools with its annual School Finance Award. The award recognizes school organizations for sound financial management policies and procedures. 

Criteria for earning the award is based on compliance with state statutes on finance issues and demonstrating fiscal health. Out of the 561 eligible reporting districts, there were a total of 422 winners for FY 2013. 

I especially want to commend our Business Services staff for helping us earn the School Finance Award through their careful management of the district’s finances. However, I believe this award is representative of a district-wide commitment to maintaining a strong financial position. 

Establishing a solid financial foundation has allowed us to continue providing a wide range of opportunities for our students. Every day, our students give us reasons to be proud, and our goal is always to help every student achieve “real-life success.” 

Here are some examples of recent White Hawks success:

• Westonka’s DECA program had 77 students competing at the state level this week and will send 15 students to DECA Internationals in California in April.
• Six members of the White Hawks boys swim and dive team medaled at the state meet, with senior Tyler Jordahl leading the way with fifth place in the diving competition.
• The team of Grandview Middle School seventh-graders Jessy Cai, Maddie Bacon, Megan Heins and Brandon Ung, along with their teacher Jennifer Naslund and engineering mentor Sarah Reinhart, won a trip to Washington, D.C. for the Future City National Finals over President’s Day weekend. The city they designed was awarded “City of the Future that Best Incorporates Cultural and Historical Resources” at the national level.
• The wrestling team had seven state competitors this year. Sophomore Sam Bennyhoff became Westonka's first state wrestling finalist since 2007 with a second-place win in his event.

I greatly appreciate the commitment shown by our staff, parents and community members to our students and our schools.

Sincerely,
Kevin Borg