Managers

Thomas Baranick

Manager of Facilities  

Tom started with the ISD 728 in 2005 as the Manager of Facilities. Tom is responsible for the general upkeep of the district’s twenty facilities, including all maintenance, repair, health and safety, security and cleaning activities. He also provides oversight to the district’s construction projects. Tom is responsible for coordinating the upkeep of the district’s grounds, including lawn and turf maintenance, field set-ups, snow removal and parking lot repair and maintenance. Prior to joining the district, Tom worked in a similar capacity for Northwest Racquet Clubs, Grand Casino and Princeton Public Schools. Tom received his education from the Robbinsdale School District and the University of Minnesota.

Anja Bochenski

Manager of Purchasing & Inventory Control  

Anja Bochenski joined the district in April 2022 as the Purchasing and Inventory Manager. She manages the procurement of goods and services, P- Card set up and management, oversees warehouse inventory operations and district vehicles. Previously she worked at Supervalu for 14 years and most recently as a Sourcing Manager.

Anja received her Bachelor of Science in Marketing at Metropolitan State University.  She lives in Big Lake with her husband and son. 

Rhianon Herman

Manager of Health Services

Rhianon joined the Elk River School District in 2018 as a Licensed School Nurse and transitioned into the Manager role in 2021.

Rhianon has previous experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse in the Osseo School District for over 10 years. Rhianon is responsible for ensuring the delivery of school health programs and services to provide students with the opportunity to reach their maximum educational opportunity, and to minimize absence due to illness or chronic disease. Rhianon manages the staff and operations of the Health Services department to meet the needs of the students, manages and coordinates the delivery of quality nursing services in the school health offices of the public and non-public schools, in compliance with Federal, state, and local laws, along with district regulations and policies.  

Rhianon earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing from St. Cloud State University with a minor in Biological Sciences, Associate in Applied Science from Hennepin Technical College and Bachelor Of Science in Nursing from Presentation College.

Kristina Hess

Theater Manager

Kristina joined District 728 in 2016 as the District Auditorium Theater Manager.

She will provide leadership and coordination to all aspects of our now 4 district theaters with in-house staffing, production designs, liaison to rentals and student recruitment and involvement in newly developing theater programs.  

Kristina’s background includes 20+ years of working in technical theater while teaching high school students at Spring Lake Park in tech theater. She also comes to us with a background of facility management and has owned a company in faux finishing. She is the epitome of local with a BA from SCSU and courses from Concordia University, St. Paul and U of M.  Has worked at Chanhassen Dinner Theater, Valley Fair, History Theater, Paramount Center for the arts, and worked as a muralist in Wisconsin Dells.

Kristina looks forward to creating a fun, collaborative, challenging environment to create a superb theatrical experience for the audience and our students. 

Pauline Knox

Operations Manager of ISD 728 Community Education

As the Community Education Operations/Program Manager, Pauline ensures delivery of high quality and efficient services by hiring, training and supervising operations and program staff, assigning, reviewing and participating in the work of staff responsible for the development and administration of Community Education programs, services and classes; plans according to current trends and to enhance community interests; selects and oversees instructors, coordinators and presenters; and provides assistance in other community education programs, establishes procedures, assesses and implements process improvements to constantly and consistently increase customer satisfaction, efficiencies, compliance with department and District policies and support of the District and Community Education Mission.

Laura Masley

Operations Manager of Health & Safety

Laura has been with the district since October 2010.  Laura is responsible for the district’s occupational health, safety, environmental, risk management, and workers’ compensation programs, including maintaining program compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and statutes.

Prior to joining the district, Laura worked as an environmental, health, and safety consultant to multiple school districts, including ISD 728.  Laura has a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan Technological University, as well as multiple environmental, health, safety, and facility certifications.

LeAnne Murphy

general Manager of food service

LeAnne joined ISD 728/SFE in 2019, overseeing staff and operations within the Food Service department at each school. Her primary responsibility involves ensuring full compliance of all Food Service department operations with the regulations set forth by the USDA, MDE, and MDH. 

She has a diverse background encompassing experience in long-term care, restaurant management, and school food service. LeAnne holds a Master of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Science with a specialization in Food and Nutrition from Alabama A&M University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point with a major in Dietetics and a minor in Food Systems Management. Furthermore, she is recognized as a Certified Food Protection Manager by the MN Department of Health and holds a Level 4 certification with the School Nutrition Association.

Madeline Dale

Manager of Early Childhood Programs

Maddie Dale joined ISD 728 in August 2024 and manages Discovery Learning Preschool, Early Childhood Family Education, and Early Childhood Screening. She is deeply committed to fostering strong teacher-student relationships, promoting Social Emotional Learning, and supporting educators in the meaningful work they do each day.

Before joining ISD 728, Maddie served as a Dean of Students for kindergarten and first grade, a Teacher-Child Interaction Training Coach, and a kindergarten teacher with Fridley Public Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a master’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and a PK–12 Administrative Certificate—all from the University of Minnesota. Prior to her career in education, Maddie studied dance at The Juilliard School in New York City.

Nicole Wojcik

Manager of extended day Programs

Nicole Wojcik joined ISD 728 in 2016.  She is the Manager of EdVenture Club for Community Education and oversees child care programming for both School Age and Preschool students across the district.

Prior to working for ISD 728, Nicole served in many roles as a manager and director for Minnesota School of Business at both the St. Cloud and Elk River campuses.  She began her career as a Special Education teacher at the Menahga School District and worked in that field for several years across the state before working at MSB.  Nicole is also active in the Elk River community as a long time member of the Elk River Rotary Club and has served on several boards and committees for various local non-profits.

Her daughter recently graduated from Elk River High School and will be attending Moorhead State University.  Nicole and her husband live in Big Lake.