by Dr. Michael Rivard
School Superintendent
As I wrap up my first year as superintendent of the Sartell-St. Stephen School District, I feel deep gratitude because this year has been nothing short of incredible. From the very first day, I’ve received warm welcomes by students, staff, families and community members.
That Sabre warmth and partnership have made this first year one I’ll never forget. It has reminded me of my own family’s milestones in our community, including my son’s first day of kindergarten at Oak Ridge and my daughter’s last concert at Sartell High School’s Performing Arts Center.
I cannot help but reflect that I am walking the same hallways, attending performances in the same auditoriums and cheering from the same sidelines, giving me a genuine connection to the hopes, questions and pride our families feel. It’s a perspective I carry with me every day as your superintendent.
I’ve had the joy of meeting with people across the Sartell-St. Stephen School District and community – hundreds of individual conversations with parents/guardians, staff, students, business owners, senior citizens and leaders. Those conversations shaped my understanding of what makes this school district special and where we can grow stronger.
Our students are at the heart of everything we do. Their growth this year has been incredible – academically, socially and through their leadership. Our schools are welcoming places where students feel seen, supported and challenged. Our students shine whether it’s in a classroom discussion, on stage during a musical performance, solving a problem in a robotics lab or competing on the field. Experiencing our students perform, compete and lead in so many ways reminds me why this work matters. Their energy and promise light the way forward.
This success is made possible through the tireless commitment of our staff – teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service workers, clerical staff, administrators and bus drivers. All of them bring dedication, skill and heart to their work. They create learning environments where students thrive. I’m proud to work alongside each of them.
We also couldn’t do this work without the partnership of our families. Whether it’s attending parent-teacher conferences, volunteering in classrooms, showing up for events or supporting learning at home, our families are essential partners.
I’ve especially appreciated spending time with both ends of our age spectrum, visiting with our preschool families at the beginning of the journey and connecting with our senior citizens who offer wisdom and support.
This year has also brought tangible progress. One highlight was the successful passing of the referendum for Riverview Intermediate School. This marks a major step forward in improving learning spaces and maintaining high-quality facilities for our students and staff. Thank you to the community for supporting this important investment.
Through it all, a common thread has been clear – that stakeholders across our community care deeply about our students. People want to be involved. They want to help. That sense of shared purpose has made this year incredibly fulfilling.
As I look back on this first year, I feel proud, energized and hopeful. Sartell-St. Stephen is a special place. We’ve accomplished a lot, and the future is bright. I’m honored to serve as superintendent in a community that values education and comes together to support every learner.
Thank you for making this first year a wonderful one. I look forward to continuing this journey together.
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.
