Directors
Troy Anderson
Director of Instructional Technology
Troy joined the Elk River School District in 2012. Troy has previous experience as an elementary school teacher and held the position of Technology Integration Specialist in the Osseo School District for 13 years. Troy provides leadership to our Online and Digital Learning Specialists in the areas of coordinating professional development and online learning initiatives for staff.
He earned his Associate in Arts from Bemidji State University, Bachelor of Arts from Winona State University and Master's Degree in Instructional Technology from St. Cloud State University.
Kelly Corbett
Director of Teaching & Learning
As the Director of Teaching & Learning, I oversee the development and implementation of the district's curriculum programs and staff development activities to comply with federal, state, and district standards. I also ensure that curriculum and staff development align with the ISD 728 Strategic Plan.
Cory Franson
Director of Community Engagement
Cory Franson has been a part of the ISD 728 family since 2008 working as the Program Manager for Community Education. In 2016, Cory started the role as Director of Community Engagement and Community Education. Cory has been in the field of Community Education since 2005, working in Winona, MN prior to joining ISD 728. Cory received his Bachelor of Arts in Music from Winona State, and his Community Education Director’s License and Masters Degree from St. Cloud State University.
Cory provides leadership to the Community Education department and to numerous District programs including Early Education, communications, legislative involvement and community engagement opportunities.
Rachel Hilyar, MEd
Director of Prevention, Safety & Grants
Rachel Hilyar has led the work of the ISD 728 Prevention and Safety Department since 2017. In this role, she works with a dynamic team of district leaders, including the Prevention & Safety, Educational Services teams and building principals, to embed powerful prevention strategies that foster resiliency and ensure a safe learning environment for all. Some of the initiatives included to achieve this are: Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse Prevention, Emergency Response and Crisis Management Protocols, Bullying Prevention and so much more! Rachel earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family Social Science and a Masters of Education Degree both from the University of Minnesota.
To learn more visit the Prevention & Safety webpage.
Erin Jensen
Director of Special Services
Erin Jensen has been the leader of special services in ISD 728 for more than four years. With a broad range of experience, she leads a team that provides everything from special education services to individual educational plans (IEP) and more to thousands of students around our communities.
Rosie Lackner
Director of Human Resources
Rosie Lackner joined the ISD 728 Human Resources team as our new Director of Human Resources on December 7, 2020. Before coming to ISD 728, Rosie held the position of Human Resources Associate Director at Minneapolis College and had previously worked in Human Resources at Eden Prairie Schools. She has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon (Monterrey, Mexico) and a Masters degree in Human Resources and Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. She speaks fluent Spanish and brings to ISD 728 a diverse multicultural background.
Joseph Primus
Director of Finance
Joe has been with the district since August 2009. Previous to this position, he was the Director of Finance at Columbia Heights Public Schools for eight years. Joe has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from St. Cloud State University. He maintains an active CPA license.
Joe is a current member of the Minnesota Association of School Business Officials, the Minnesota Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Association of School Business Officials. For more information on Finance, go to Departments and then Finance/Payroll.
Joseph Samek
Director of Information Technology
Joe Samek has been with the district since November 2001. He is responsible for technology planning, services and support. He oversees technology staff, coordinating district information systems, communication networks, help desk services, and technology equipment. Prior to March 2004, Joe worked throughout the district as a certified computer technician. Joe has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from North Dakota State University.
Dr. Joseph Stangler, Ed. D.
Director of Research & Assessment
Since joining the school district in 1999, Joe has provided district-wide leadership in the areas of student information systems and state reporting; English Learners and Title III; American Indian Education Program; Homeless student services; and high school registration. In addition, his department develops student enrollment projections used for planning purposes and also manages district-wide data requests.
He assumed his current position in 2002 after serving as principal at Zimmerman Junior High School. Prior to that, Joe was an assistant principal at Rockford High School and a math teacher at Pelican Rapids Junior-Senior High School and at McAllen Memorial High School in McAllen, Texas.
Joe holds Bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Economics from St. Olaf College and has earned three degrees from the University of St. Thomas: a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and both a Specialist's degree and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. He is licensed as a secondary school math teacher and principal, and superintendent.
Judi Smith
Southwest Foodservice Excellence Director of Area Operations
Judi is an experienced school nutrition director who has a degree in nutrition and a master's in education in teaching and learning. A certified specialist, she received her SNS from Serv Safe MN and is accredited by the School Nutrition Association.