School Board Election Information

In all, six candidates have filed for three seats on the ISD 728 School Board this election season. That includes a trio of candidates running together - Mike Nordos, Shari Knip and Monica Madsen - as well as incumbent Joel Nelson, former board member Shane Steinbrecher and Rogers business owner and parent Dr. Leah Colby. You can also check online at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website for more information about candidates, including websites.
 

No. ISD 728 passed a referendum in 2019 that had a two-part question. More details on that two-part question can be viewed on our website's 2019 Referendum page.

The Minnesota Secretary of State website has information on Election Day voting (November 5), including:

• Polling Place Finder
• Voting Hours
• Election Day Voting

Yes. View the Secretary of State website to:

• Vote by Mail
• Vote in Person
• In Military or Overseas
• Track Your Absentee Ballot
• Find Your County Election Office

• Check In-Person:
  • Your County Election Office
  • Your Polling Location
• Check Online: Minnesota Secretary of State Website

Yes. View the Secretary of State website for candidate filings, a sample ballot and more:

• What's On My Ballot?

Yes, Otsego Elementary, Prairie View Middle School and the ISD 728 District Office will be used as polling locations for the general election.

No, we are not having students in the building. 

Tuesday, November 5 will be an “in-service” day for teachers, so students will be at home while staff will be on site working. Access to the school building for voters will be limited to areas where polling booths are located.

No. The current School Board, members of our ISD 728 communities and staff had previously discussed and held preliminary discussions about a proposal that would have done two things:

1. Repurposed an elementary school in Elk River due to the lack of compliance with Level 4 requirements - an efficient use of taxpayer dollars. 

2. Moved Grade 5 into Elk River middle schools due to stagnant and (at some grade levels) decreasing enrollment, utilizing existing space. 

For more information, please view our website's 2024 Repurposing Proposal page.

The safety and security of our students and staff are our highest priorities at ISD 728. Throughout the school year, threats and misinformation can potentially impact the school day. ISD 728 is proud to partner with our local law enforcement, ALICE, SaySomething and state resources to keep students safe on a day to day basis. 

If you ever have any concerns or information regarding a potential threat or act of violence, please report it directly to the administration, law enforcement or SaySomething.net. This direct communication allows us to respond swiftly and accurately through our Threat Assessment Protocol, ensuring the best outcomes for everyone’s safety.

Unfortunately, incidents of “false reports” and misinformation are occurring throughout the country, requiring considerable time from school administrators and law enforcement. Misleading information can spread rapidly and often without context, especially on social media. When rumors circulate about threats or violence, it can create unnecessary panic and fear among students and families. We continue to be confident in our processes to keep students, staff and visitors safe each day.

Independent School District 728 continues to demonstrate high levels of achievement on the state’s accountability assessments, which include the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments Version III (MCA), based on the results released by the  Minnesota Department of Education late last month.

In addition, our graduation rates, according to the Minnesota Department of Education, are also among the highest of the “big school districts” in Minnesota.

For more information, please view this article on our website: ISD 728 Continues High Performance in State Assessments

ISD 728 revises its Strategic Plan every five years, with feedback and reports on the progress of the plan. Please view our website's Strategic Plan page.