by Dr. Michael Rivard
District 748 Superintendent
There is something special about the start of a new school year. Our buildings come back to life. Classrooms are ready. Teachers and staff reconnect. Students return with excitement, maybe a few nerves and stories from summer. Families settle back into familiar routines. As we begin the 2026–27 school year, I am excited about what lies ahead for Sartell-St. Stephen Schools.
As buses return to our roads and students walk through our doors, I look forward to classrooms filled with learning, gyms and fields filled with activity, stages filled with performances and hallways filled with the energy that only a new school year can bring.
Working together
A new school year reminds us that excellence does not come from one program, one person or one accomplishment. It comes from the work we do together. It comes from high expectations, strong relationships, thoughtful decisions and a shared belief in our students.
The start of school gives all of us a chance to reset. Students return to daily routines of learning, friendships, activities and new challenges. Families adjust to earlier mornings, practices, homework and busy schedules. Our staff returns focused on creating classrooms where students feel welcomed, supported, challenged and ready to learn.
One of my favorite parts of a new school year is seeing our staff come together. Our experienced staff continue to perfect their craft, building on years of knowledge and finding new ways to reach students. At the same time, new staff join us with the excitement that comes with starting a career in such an important role. Whether serving as an educator or in one of the many support roles across our district, each person has an opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of our students. That combination of experience and new energy makes the beginning of each school year special.
Welcoming leaders
We also begin the year with new leaders – some new to ISD 748 and some familiar faces serving in a new role. Each brings experience, energy and commitment to students. New leadership creates opportunities for new ideas while building on the strong foundation already in place. I look forward to seeing the impact these leaders will have on our students, staff and school community:
Robert Geisenhof, interim principal at Oak Ridge Early Learning Center
Nick Peterson, principal at Sartell Middle School
Matt Bigler,- interim assistant principal at Riverview Intermediate School
Megan Siemieniak, assistant principal at Sartell Middle School
Dawn Gent, assistant principal at Sartell High School
Commitment to students
At the same time, the heart of our district remains the people who work with students every day. Teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, food service staff, office professionals, bus drivers, coaches, advisors and many others make our schools successful. Their work matters. Their commitment to students helps make Sartell-St. Stephen a special place to learn and grow.
For me, leading this district carries a personal meaning. Sartell-St. Stephen is more than the school district I serve as superintendent. This is my hometown. I have lived here for 25 years and raised my family here. My children attended our schools. I have watched our community grow and change, and I have seen firsthand the pride people have in our schools. I am incredibly proud to be part of the school district in the community I call home.
Welcome back to our students, staff, families and community. I’m proud of where we have been, excited about where we are going and grateful for the opportunity to serve this community. Together, we will continue to make Sartell-St. Stephen schools a district of excellence.
contributed photo
Sartell-St. Stephen School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Rivard