by Dr. Michael Rivard
After a joyful holiday season spent with family and friends, I’m thrilled to welcome everyone back to school as we begin a new year together. Like many of you, the holidays gave me time to reflect on the importance of family, community and the opportunities that lie ahead. As our students return to school, I’m filled with gratitude for the support of our Sartell-St. Stephen community and excitement for the meaningful work we will accomplish in 2025.
At the forefront is our referendum on Feb. 11 that includes two key questions aimed at addressing critical needs:
Question 1 focuses on Riverview Intermediate School, a building that has served the community since 1969. The HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system is in need of upgrading to improve air quality and temperature control, creating the optimal learning environment for students and staff. This investment would also address deferred maintenance needs, ensuring Riverview remains a vital educational facility for years to come while avoiding more costly repairs in the future.
Question 2 focuses on outdoor improvements at Sartell High School. A multi-purpose athletic facility with durable artificial turf is planned, benefiting track and field, soccer, football and lacrosse. The turf will provide year-round usability, minimize weather-related disruptions and ensure consistent access for sports and physical-education programs. Additional parking near the fields will improve accessibility for everyone. These upgrades will create a central hub for events and community gatherings, fostering school spirit and pride.
The Sartell-St. Stephen School District #748 encourages residents to learn more about the referendum by attending informational sessions, visiting the district’s website www.isd748.org/VOTE2025 to review our videos and narrated presentations or reaching out with questions directly to me or through email at Vote2025@isd748.org. Absentee voting is available at the District Service Center between 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. until Monday, Feb. 10.
Free Family Events
During January, the District is hosting family-friendly events and opportunities for parents/guardians to learn more about our programs. They are the following:
Frosty Fun Night
Frosty Family Fun Night will be hosted at Oak Ridge Early Learning Center from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. This free event, open to families with children aged birth through kindergarten, will offer activities such as an obstacle course, story time and goody bags. Free pizza dinner will be provided. The event is a chance for families to connect with staff and explore preschool and kindergarten offerings in ISD 748.
Math Night
Family Math Night will take place at Riverview Intermediate School from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23. This free event for families with students in grades 1-5 is a great opportunity for families to spend time enjoying math together with games and prizes.
Trivia Game Night
Trivia Game Night will be offered at Sartell Middle School from 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31. It will be a fun evening for our families to spend time in our middle school with Bingo, board games and trivia. Don’t miss this great opportunity to connect with the SMS community.
Enrollment
For families looking to enroll their children, two important events are scheduled at ORELC.
There will be a Preschool Registration Information Night at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28 to provide details about preschool programming and enrollment.
A Kindergarten Information Night is set at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3. It will guide parents/guardians through kindergarten readiness, daily schedules and what to expect as their children begin this milestone.
These events highlight the district’s commitment to engaging families and supporting students from their earliest educational experiences. The Sartell-St. Stephen School District deeply values the community’s involvement and ongoing support. Together, we ensure our schools remain a source of pride and excellence, preparing students for bright futures.
Dr. Michael Rivard was chosen as the new superintendent for the Sartell-St. Stephen School District. A long-time Sartell resident, he will begin his new job in July. He is currently employed by the St. Cloud School District, where he has worked since 1995.