by Dr. Michael Rivard
news@thenewsleaders.com
As winter fades and spring arrives, Sartell-St. Stephen Schools come alive with new energy. The snow melts, the days grow longer and the air feels lighter. In our schools, the shift is real. Students walk in with excitement. Staff lead with fresh ideas. Classrooms glow with sunlight – and learning.
Students build on everything they’ve worked hard to learn since fall. Concepts click and confidence rises. You can see it when a kindergartner reads out loud for the first time. You can hear it when middle-school students discuss science, history or current events. You can feel it in the focus of high schoolers preparing for finals, Advanced Placement exams and graduation. This progress doesn’t happen by chance; it reflects strong teaching, focused effort and family support.
Opportunities also bloom in spring. Students shine in concerts, art shows, athletic events and academic competitions. Outdoor learning comes to life. Elementary students explore nature trails and track science data. Seniors lead service projects and prepare for life beyond high school. These moments matter. They show us learning goes beyond the classroom.
Yet, this spring also brings challenges. ISD 748 and school districts across Minnesota face rising pressure from funding shortfalls. While the Minnesota Legislature passed a historic education bill in 2023, the investments mostly helped school districts recover from long-standing shortages, especially in special education. That support is appreciated, but many of the bill’s new programs and mandates came with added costs. Some of these programs are funded, but others are only partially or temporarily funded. Several mandates received no funding at all. This creates a growing gap between what’s expected and what districts can afford.
We also face the broader realities of school finance. Like many school districts, we are adapting to flat enrollment, evolving student needs and rising operational costs. State funding still does not keep pace with inflation. These factors require us to make thoughtful decisions and prioritize wisely. In response, we are working to assure our financial goals align with our strategic plan. We are finding efficiencies, protecting key services and ensuring our resources directly support student learning. Our focus remains on students, staff and the future.
As part of our continued commitment to transparency and community engagement, we will soon invite all Sartell-St. Stephen ISD 748 residents to participate in our community survey. This survey, required by the state of Minnesota, helps us understand how we’re doing in serving students and meeting community expectations. Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping our future planning and improvement efforts. We encourage every resident to take part and share their voice.
Even with financial challenges, spring remains a season of celebration. The longer days bring opportunities to cheer from the sidelines, attend performances and enjoy time outdoors. Our community shows up. Together, we support learning, achievement and well-being.
At Sartell-St. Stephen Schools, we believe in the potential of every student. We remain focused on our mission. We support, encourage and guide each learner every step of the way. Spring reminds us of what’s possible. Growth takes effort, but it brings results. As we near the end of the school year, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and the bright future ahead.
