Summer Updates: Construction Recap Shows ISD 728's Major Progress, Work Left to Do

On Monday, June 23, 2025, former ISD 728 Director of Business Services Kimberly Eisenschenk presented an update on the progress and ongoing process of bringing the District "up to date" via the projects approved by voters in 2019. 

As we pass the six-year milestone, with major projects like the construction of Prairie View Middle School, stadium improvements (turf fields, entrances, restrooms and concessions), flexible learning spaces and more, EVERY building has seen benefits of this massive bond referendum. 

The Board, as well as the public, was shown this slide presentation, which showed dozens of improvements and some eye-opening 'before and after' slides from sites around our communities. 

This flyer, also given to the Board and the public, lists the many projects yet to come, including multiple planned improvements at Meadowvale Elementary;  physical education space improvements at Rogers Elementary; IT wing and gym space improvements at Salk Middle School and bathroom, classroom and flex learning spaces at Zimmerman Middle/High School. 

"The work we've done across our communities has benefitted all students, and we will continue to focus on equity and modernization across ISD 728 throughout the last years of this project. That's what our voters asked of us, and that's what we have promised," said Andy Almos, Superintendent of ISD 728. 

Key updates prior to 2025

For those new to the area, the 2019 referendum provided the funding for ISD 728 to plan for the new decade with seven key building projects. Those included: 

• Construction of a new middle school near Prairie View in Otsego.
• Renovations at Lincoln Elementary School in Elk River.
• Renovations at VandenBerge Middle School in Elk River.
• Renovations at Handke Center in Elk River.
• Additions and renovations of activity spaces at Zimmerman Middle/High School.
• Additions and renovations of activity spaces at Elk River High School.
• Additions and renovations of activity spaces at Rogers High School.

Due to funding sources and state statute, each of those seven projects were completed by January of 2025. However, the work continues, even at these seven sites. Zimmerman High, for example, saw its turf field installed and new stadium seating put in place back in 2020-2021. This summer, however, work continued with a new stadium entrance, including restrooms and concessions. 

Other key work done in 2025 included improvements (Phase II) at Rogers Elementary, new parking at Westwood Elementary, more learning spaces at Rogers Middle with an eye for flexible spaces and more. ISD 728 will update the public with a recap of the 2025 construction season soon!