Growing Together for a Brighter Future

It’s hard to believe that we are already in November and almost to the end of our first trimester. As we continue into the school year, it’s clear that this has been a season of growth and progress for Cambridge-Isanti Schools. From welcoming new leaders and celebrating community connections, to advancing our Strategic Plan, there’s so much to be proud of—and even more to look forward to.

Reflecting on the milestones we’ve achieved together and the ongoing work that keeps us moving forward, I want to share some updates that showcase what makes our schools truly special and highlight our shared commitment that drives us toward a brighter future.

Leadership Recognition and Transitions

I’m grateful and excited for the momentum we’ve built together this school year. Our recent elections bring two new members to our Cambridge-Isanti School Board with the addition of Brette Halverson and Becky Roby. They will be replacing Tim Hitchings and Carri Levitski who did not seek re-election. I want to take a moment to deeply thank Tim and Carri for their years of service, their commitment to our C-I students and families, and for their unwavering student-centered leadership. As Superintendent, I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to collaborate and learn with and from them over the past several years.

We also welcome back Heidi Sprandel, who currently serves as our School Board Chair and was re-elected for a fourth term. At our January organizational meeting, we will welcome Brette and Becky officially to the School Board and begin our work together to continue to meet our mission which is to work in partnership with our community to Educate, Empower, and Inspire - Every Student, Every Day. 

Progress on Our Strategic Plan

Nearly two years ago, we set out on an ambitious journey with our Strategic Plan, a vision crafted from the insights and voices of our community. Adopted in December 2022, this plan strengthens our focus on supporting academic growth, mental health and well-being, positive relationships, and deepened community partnerships. I am proud to report that we are on track and moving forward with the vision that our community helped us build for our schools. Once again this January, we will be calling on the Strategic Planning Community Task Force to review progress, evaluate the ongoing plan, and make recommendations for year three. We are excited to pull this group together for this important annual work.

New Opportunity for Guidance

An important part of the Strategic Plan directed district leaders to evaluate our facilities and programs to create a comprehensive plan for the future of Cambridge-Isanti Schools (4.1). In accordance with this guidance, we are forming a Facility Planning Community Task Force to help us with the work and make recommendations for our School Board to consider. We invite community members eager to contribute to the vision for our district’s future to join us in this effort, knowing that every voice and perspective matters in our planning. Email us at dist-communications@c-ischools.org for more information.

Much to Be Thankful For

This month, we also honored our veterans with meaningful events and tributes that reminded our students of the importance of service and sacrifice while drawing us closer as a community. Thank you to everyone who organized and participated in these powerful moments. And a special thank you to all who are currently serving or have served (and sacrificed) to establish and protect the freedoms we enjoy as American citizens today.

We are also proud and thankful for our community’s quiet but impactful support of families in need. Through our Care Closets and the work of our Volunteer Coordinators, many students receive essential necessities and supplies. This support would not be possible without the kindness of community members who have stepped up to make a difference. Thank you for your generosity and compassion. You’ve provided meaningful and important resources to our students and families as we move into the winter season.

This year has already been a powerful testament to The Bluejacket Way, defined by our core values of honesty, respect, responsibility, self-discipline, and compassion. These values guide our students’ character education and support the positive environment we all work to foster. The strength of our district is in this commitment—to building a shared future that empowers Every Student, Every Day.

To our community members - THANK YOU for being part of this journey and for all you do to make Cambridge-Isanti Schools a place we’re proud to call home. Together, we will keep growing and achieving together. GO BIG BLUE!