October Enrollment Update: Population Surges again in South End of ISD 728

ISD 728 has added more than 1,200 students since the pandemic year of 2020-2021, with nearly all of that growth impacting schools in the Rogers and Otsego area. 

That's according to a report given by Dr. Joe Stangler, ISD 728 Director of Students Services, Research and Planning, presented Monday, October 13 at the ISD 728 School Board meeting. 

This year alone, the District has added more than 230 students, with October's enrollment count coming in at just under 14,470 students at the time of the report. That's up from 14,019 this time just two years ago. 

"The growth we're seeing is definitely putting pressure on our buildings in Otsego and Rogers," Stangler reported. "That's a trend we've seen for the past several years, and that's a trend that will continue." 

Enrollment in the south - feeding Rogers High School - has jumped from 5,573 in 2020-21 to a current level of over 6,900. In short, all four buildings in Rogers - Hassan and Rogers elementary schools as well as Rogers Middle and Rogers High - are all over capacity. 

"We have said in the past that it's a good problem to have, but now it's a problem that needs to be addressed, again," said Superintendent Andy Almos. "This isn't surprising to anyone who knows our communities. Otsego has made a lot of headlines for their growth rate, and there is still land there to develop. That will continue to happen. I think the growth in Rogers is maybe ahead of expectations with the developments to the south of Rogers Elementary. That's something we’re watching closely." 

Enrollment is relatively flat in Elk River, to the tune of a decrease of less than 20 students. This trend is expected to continue in the near future, despite houses coming online in the Twin Lakes area. 

In Zimmerman, this year showed a decrease of just under 40 students, year over year. Zimmerman High School has dropped from 743 students in 2021-2022 to 690 kids in October 2025. Zimmerman Middle School, Westwood Elementary and Zimmerman Elementary are all down from last year, as well.

A Community Facilities Task Force is meeting throughout the fall to examine capacity challenges in the district’s southern schools and to develop potential recommendations for School Board consideration. 

More from Stangler's report can be found online at ISD728.org, or by watching the October 13 meeting on our YouTube Channel.