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July 29, 1999
Hanska charter organizers learn to deal with start-up tasksEnrollment at 49; Community eager to assist organizersBy ERIC SERRANO Journal Staff Writer HANSKA -- Good bargains on classroom materials, a wealth of community support, and burgeoning enrollment are convincing charter school planners here that while the task before them may be daunting, it is not impossible. "There are hurdles to overcome -- some big ones too -- but we're overcoming (the hurdles) one at a time," said Craig Blackstad, a member of the non-profit group that is working to establish a K-5 arts and music charter school in Hanska. "A lot of it will take some large sums of money, but we've got state and federal money to work with," he said, standing in the school's hallway, surrounded by stacks of tables and chairs acquired for less than $200 from an auction in Sleepy Eye. "Other things have already been taken care of, like repairing the boiler. We're down to a couple of options for the computer system." Blackstad declined to say how much it cost to have the boiler repaired. However, when the building belonged to District 88 last year, estimates placed boiler repair costs at approximately $25,000. Still, not all of the charter school's obstacles are connected with funding, nor do all the obstacles have negative connotations. "One of the biggest things we are coming up against is dealing with class size. We wanted to have a 17 to one student-to-teacher ratio, and we're already exceeding that in kindergarten," said Blackstad. "We have 49 enrolled right now, with another one waiting to sign up probably tomorrow," he said Tuesday. "How do we address that?" Blackstad asked, "I don't know yet. Do we hire another kindergarten teacher, do we go with a full-time teacher aide? If we get many more, we may have to get another bus." Things could be worse. Blackstad and the handful of Hanska residents who began the drive to create the charter school could be still doing all of the work themselves. "We've been getting tons of help. When we started this, it was just a small group of us. Now we have lots of folks attending the meetings, giving their ideas, lending a hand with things. And it's going to bet even better," Blackstad predicted. Dan Rigney, a computer networker from Madelia, has enrolled his 3 1/2-year-old daughter in the charter's preschool program and intends for her to continue with the charter through fifth grade. "I think it's going to be a great opportunity for her. I think she might get a more rounded learning experience. Something that uses music and the arts," Rigney said. Rigney is typical of the parents of Hanska's charter enrollees, said Blackstad. Rigney has offered his expertise to help the school develop its computer setup, once a decision is made on how to finance the endeavor. "They are all offering what they can. We've had unbelievable support from everyone," Blackstad said. But, he also realizes that a time may come when the school can ask no more. "You can't rely on doing everything with volunteers. There comes a point when you can wear out people's generosity," he said. Financial obstacles are compelling Hanska's charter planners to become creative thinkers. During a Tuesday evening gathering of the school's fledgling board of directors laid out plans for a rummage sale Aug. 27-28, with proceeds going to the school. The board also discussed creating a special bank account for potential memorials and other private donations. The pursuit of grants will also play a large role in the charter's fund-raising efforts. One of Blackstad's fund-raising projects will be the creation of a monthly dinner theater. "We have the capability here to provide the area with a regular program of music and other entertainment. This is Hanska. And though we're known for it somewhat, we want to be a music center," he said. The potential for using the planned shows as school fund-raisers was highlighted two weeks ago when the school hosted a concert and dance. The event raised more than $3,000, according to Blackstad. "That's good money. It will help us do a lot here," he said. "You get to the point where you are beyond tired," Blackstad said of the efforts charters planners have put into getting the school off the ground. "You work (a regular job) and then you put it another four or five hours here. It takes a lot, but in the end it will all be worth it," he said.
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