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Facilities Project 2026: ISD 728 Community Survey - The Choice is Yours

ISD 728 with four blue stars against a dark background.

While 56 percent of Minnesota school districts have fewer students than they did 10 years ago, our enrollment has grown by more than 12 percent over that time, making us the second-fastest growing district in Minnesota. This trend is projected to continue. Most of this growth will be on the south side of the District, and those schools are already at or above capacity.

To develop options that increase capacity, the District formed the 2025 Community Facilities Task Force (made up of community members, local city officials, staff, and parents). This group explored a wide variety of solutions and provided recommendations to the School Board. 

This April, ISD 728 made an effort to hear from all taxpayers to determine what investment, if any, to make at this time. A survey was distributed earlier in the month - sent to community members via mail and via email by School Perceptions. Staff and school families, in addition, received an emailed link. 

Note: A video produced by the ISD 728 Communications Team explaining the information on this website can be found on our YouTube Channel here via this link. 

Capacity Challenges 

Projections show that all grade levels on the south side of the District will be over capacity within four years. The most immediate concern is at the high school level.

Chart with numbers showing capacity

To build more space, local voters would need to approve a bond referendum, which allows the District to issue debt (take out a loan). 

Other Facility Projects

In addition to increasing capacity at the high school level, the District will also need to:

  • Build a school to serve students in grades E-8.
  • Build a school to serve special education students with high needs (Setting IV) and students who need additional support beyond the traditional school setting.
  • Update career and technical education (CTE) spaces in the high schools to better prepare our students for jobs and careers in the area. This includes spaces for auto, manufacturing, engineering, woods, health services, culinary, and DECA (business/entrepreneurship program).
  • Improve safety by renovating and better securing the entrances at Rogers Middle and Zimmerman Middle/High schools to match other ISD 728 schools.

For MORE information on the Facilities project, please visit this webpage on our site: ISD728.org/Facilities2026