by Dr. Michael Rivard
ISD 748 Superintendent
One of the most rewarding parts of my role as superintendent is the time I spend at our school events where I see firsthand the dedication and excellence of our students and get to spend time with families.
I also have the opportunity to spend time with our Senior Connection, a great group that exemplifies the strength of our community. Throughout these conversations, one theme remains clear: our schools are a source of pride.
On Feb. 11, our residents will have the opportunity to participate in an important decision through a two-question voting referendum that will help shape the future of our schools.
The two referendum questions on essential facility updates directly impact students, staff and residents.
Question 1
Question 1 addresses necessary improvements to Riverview Intermediate School’s heating, ventilation, air-conditioning system. Since its construction in 1969 as our first secondary school, Riverview has been a cornerstone of our district, educating generations of students and providing a strong foundation for learning. As we reflect on our memories of field trips, band concerts, athletic events, classroom projects and friendships, it’s clear this wonderful school building has played a huge part in shaping our history. However, the HVAC system is reaching the end of its lifespan. Without updates, it will continue to require costly repairs, struggle to maintain consistent temperatures and negatively impact the learning environment for students and staff.
Question 2
Question 2 will only be considered if Question 1 is approved. It focuses on Sartell High School’s outdoor athletic and physical-education facilities. These improvements include constructing a multi-purpose athletic facility and installing artificial turf, allowing for increased durability and nearly year-round use. Currently, our facilities are not able to fully meet the growing needs of students, athletic teams and youth organizations. Investing in these spaces will align with the district’s long-term Facilities Master Plan and ensure all students and community members have access to high-quality spaces for physical development and teamwork.
Our future
Spending time with parents, grandparents and other residents at referendum presentations has been valuable. I have heard your passion for our schools and our students, and I have seen how much we care and unite around our incredible district. The support for our students goes beyond the classroom; it’s a collective effort to ensure their growth and success in all aspects of their education. The conversations I’ve had throughout this process make it clear we share a common goal: providing a future-ready education in an environment that meets the needs of all learners. We strive to ensure generations to come have access to the same high-quality education and opportunities that have defined our district for years.
Your voice matters
I encourage all residents to take an active role in this important decision. The district is committed to transparency and providing the information needed to make an informed vote. Our website, www.isd748.org/VOTE2025, includes resources such as a Tax Impact Calculator, detailed project descriptions and video overviews of the proposed improvements. We also invite you to reach out with questions at vote2025@isd748.org or give me a call at the district office.
As a longtime resident and a parent whose children benefited from Sartell-St. Stephen schools, I understand the importance of ensuring our schools remain strong for current and future generations. This referendum is about more than facility upgrades; it’s about providing the best education for our students in environments that support their success. I appreciate all our two cities have done to support ISD 748 for so long and all that we will accomplish together in the future.
Please remember to vote on Feb. 11.
