Ordean Middle School (Duluth Minnesota)
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| Established | 1956 |
|---|---|
| Type of institution | Public |
| Staff | 62 |
| Principal | Jerry Maki |
| Students | 780 |
| Location | Duluth, Minnesota, USA |
| Colors | Blue and White |
| Mascot | Lakers |
| Information | (218) 525-0810 |
| Website | http://www.duluth.k12.mn.us/ordean/index.html |
[edit] History
Ordean Middle School was named for Albert L. Ordean. He was a Duluth pioneer, banker, financier, civic leader and philanthropist. He was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania on August 22, 1856. He moved to Duluth in 1882 and founded the Merchants National Bank. Mr. Ordean later became head of the First National Bank and organized the Stone-Ordean-Wells wholesale grocery. He was director of the Great Northern Railroad and the First National Bank of St. Paul. Albert Ordean also had lumber interests in the Northwest.
Ordean School property was once part of the Northland Country Club. It was laid out to be six holes. When Northland abandoned this idea, Mr. Ordean purchased the property and gave it to the city of Duluth to be used as a recreation field. It was named Ordean Field in his honor.
In 1928, Albert Ordean died and left many bequests to local charities and money for recreational equipment for the playing field. The city built a stadium and field house. Then, in 1954, the city transferred the property to the board of education.
Ordean Junior High School was built During the years 1954 - 1956. The total building cost was $1,530,573, including the architect's fee. An additional $100,000 was spent on furnishings and equipment
Many changes have occurred since that time. Ninth grade was moved to the high schools, and fifth and sixth grades were added to Ordean's middle school configuration. In 2000, the fifth grade was moved back to the elementary schools and Ordean became a 6-8 school. Remodeling and construction have helped Ordean expand and modernize its program. In 1992, three new science classrooms/labs were opened. During the 1993-94 school year, six new classrooms were utilized and a new media center was built which houses a media class area, library stacks, a writing lab and computer lab. Ordean has added network wiring to renovate another computer lab and to link classrooms via internet.
