School of the Osage

Long-Range Facility Planning Update - December 4, 2024

Yesterday, the internal and steering committee meetings wrapped up successfully. Both groups reviewed four proposed plan options, collaborated to create detailed pro and con lists, and shared their thoughts and ideas in meaningful discussions. You can view these plan options linked under Proposed Plan Options.

Next Steps:
The next step in this process is a presentation of the committee’s work and recommendations to the Board of Education in January.

Long-Range Facility Planning Update - November 13, 2024

This week, our district’s internal and steering committees met to discuss school finances, the budget, potential district projects, and to analyze student feedback. These discussions are ongoing, and the committees will meet again on Wednesday, December 4th.

You will find those presentations linked under Facility Planning - Project Considerations and School Finance.

Next Steps:
The next set of internal and steering committee meetings are scheduled for December 4.

Long-Range Facility Planning Update - November 7, 2024

School of the Osage has been actively engaging staff, students, and community members in the ongoing long-range facility planning process to ensure our learning environments are well-equipped for the future.

Staff Focus Groups:
Staff members were invited to participate in focus groups, held before and after school, to review recent building assessments conducted by iDS engineers. During these sessions, staff also examined survey data and discussed project priorities established by our internal committee.

Student Focus Groups:
Students from the School of the Osage Middle School production class and Osage High School Student Council took part in focus groups, as well. These students reviewed survey data and shared their pride in what makes School of the Osage special. They were then invited to dream about what the district might look like over the next decade, contributing enthusiastic and innovative ideas. Their insights are invaluable as we move forward in this planning process.

Community Engagement - OFP All Tribes Meeting:
At our recent OFP All Tribes meeting, we presented an overview of the building assessments, including the “grades” for each building, the projects identified by staff, and prioritization insights from the internal committee. Attendees were encouraged to offer their thoughts and ideas, helping shape the future of School of the Osage.

Next Steps:
The next set of internal and steering committee meetings are scheduled for November 13.

Long-Range Facility Planning Update - Oct. 30, 2024

Over the past two weeks, students in grades 6-12 shared their ideas on strengths and growth opportunities in school buildings, programming, and opportunities. On October 30, the third round of internal and steering committee meetings focused on the hopes and dreams of SOTO.

Upcoming Schedule:
November 7:
7-7:30 Staff Focus Group
8:00-8:45 OMS Student Focus Group
9:00-9:45 OHS Student Focus Group
12:30-1:30 OFP All Tribes Meeting
4:15-4:45 Staff Focus group

The next round of internal and steering committee meetings are set for November 13.

Long-Range Facility Planning Update - Oct. 16, 2024

Today marked the second day of our Internal and Steering Committee meetings. We are currently in the Engage phase of the planning process, focused on reviewing data, analyzing surveys, and discussing prioritization.

On October 15, iDS presented initial findings to the Board of Education. The full report, titled 'Facility Report Card Update 10/15/24,' can be found under the Facility Planning section.

The next committees meetings will be held on Wednesday, October 30.

Long-Range Facility Planning Update - Oct. 9, 2024
Today, we launched our Long Range Facility Planning with the first meetings of our Internal and Steering Committees.

Our Internal Committee (top), made up of staff, and the Steering Committee (bottom) of community leaders have both begun the important work of shaping the future of our district’s facilities.

In collaboration with specialists from incite Design Studios (iDS), these committees will craft a comprehensive vision to ensure our spaces adapt to evolving educational needs and align with our community's growth. Their efforts will help nurture student potential, maximize community investment, and support the economic vitality of our area.

Sept. 19, 2024
Partnering for Progress – Shaping Our Educational Future Together
School of the Osage is excited to announce the launch of our Long Range Facility Plan in partnership with incite Design Studios (iDS). At the September 17, 2024 meeting, the Board of Education approved a contract with iDS to begin developing this plan. This initiative aims to create a future-focused vision for our district’s facilities through a comprehensive and inclusive process, engaging staff, students, parents, and the broader community.

As we face evolving needs, such as modernizing infrastructure and enhancing learning environments, this collaboration will help us ensure safe, efficient, and innovative spaces for our students. Guided by our 2023-2026 strategic plan, we are committed to making informed, fiscally responsible decisions that will shape the next decade at Osage.

Stay tuned for opportunities to participate in surveys, focus groups, and community meetings as we work together to create spaces that nurture student potential and reflect our community’s aspirations.

Internal Committee

Steering Committee

Pictured from left to right, starting with the front:
Row 1: Harrison Frye, Stephanie Dehner, Ann Duncan, Todd Miller, Paul Dulle, Mike Williams, Amanda Boyer, Heather Snyder, Windy Borders, Jordan Bysor, Amanda DeGraffenreid
Row 2: Tony Otto, Luke Willenbrock, John Benedict, Matt Schrimpf, Jeremy Anderson, Ben Mesiti, Lance Hutzler, Darrick Steen, Amanda Hayes, Chris Butler
Not pictured: Paula Littleton and Morgan Mayer