Absentee voting is open for School Board election
Absentee voting for District 196 School Board opened Sept. 17. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2021.
District 196 once again recognized for excellence in financial reporting
The Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting is the highest recognition of school district financial operations offered by ASBO.
District 196 spends higher percentage on classroom instruction
The district spent approximately $303 more per pupil than the average for districts statewide.
Get ready for the 2021-22 school year!
Visit our back-to-school page today, which included important dates, forms and ways to stay informed.
Masks required to begin 2021-22 school year in District 196
The approved COVID-19 operational plan outlines health and safety mitigation strategies, including guidances on masks.
One District. Infinite Possibilities.
We are nationally recognized for providing boundless opportunities in which students can learn and grow. At District 196, the sky's the limit.
Average ACT Score 22.7
Our graduates scored nearly one-half points higher than the nation-leading Minnesota average on the ACT college admissions test.
89% graduation rate
Our graduation rate exceeds the state average by five points.
29,000 students
We are the 4th largest district in Minnesota, serving learners from the cities of Rosemount, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Coates, Lakeville and Inver Grove Heights, and Empire and Vermillion townships.
4,000 staff
Our high-quality, diverse workforce includes 2,100 licensed teachers and administrators, of which more than half of whom hold master’s or specialist’s degrees.
STORIES OF INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
Sharing stories of Academic, Art and Athletic successes from around the District.
![District 196 logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1574456446/district196org/khk54hcmbgppbwz7msnn/District196_Logo_CMYK_copyright.png","width":2200}]){kind=logo}
Forty-nine District 196 seniors are receiving special recognition this fall for scores they achieved on a national standardized test taken last year as juniors. Seventeen are semifinalists in the 2021-22 National Merit Scholarship Program and 32 are National Merit commended students.
The District 196 School Board at its Sept. 27 regular meeting approved a proposed 2021 (payable 2022) property tax levy at the maximum amount allowed by the state. The proposed levy is $124,898,864, an increase of $3,433,449 or 2.83 percent compared to the levy for payable 2021 property taxes.
While spending less per pupil in total, District 196 spent a higher percentage on regular classroom instruction compared to the averages statewide, in the metro area and the 10-largest districts.
![District 196 logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1627405042/district196org/iix4yquvlkj0fopeyrbh/GettyImages-145914665.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1627405042/district196org/iix4yquvlkj0fopeyrbh/GettyImages-145914665.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1627405042/district196org/iix4yquvlkj0fopeyrbh/GettyImages-145914665.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1627405042/district196org/iix4yquvlkj0fopeyrbh/GettyImages-145914665.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1627405042/district196org/iix4yquvlkj0fopeyrbh/GettyImages-145914665.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1627405042/district196org/iix4yquvlkj0fopeyrbh/GettyImages-145914665.jpg","width":2200}])
Three of the seven at-large positions on the School Board are up for election. Cast your ballot early by absentee, in person during election week or on Election Day.
![ASB logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1631293564/district196org/pdaan92tegiflpbdb57z/certificateofexcellenceinfinancialreporting.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1631293564/district196org/pdaan92tegiflpbdb57z/certificateofexcellenceinfinancialreporting.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1631293564/district196org/pdaan92tegiflpbdb57z/certificateofexcellenceinfinancialreporting.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1631293564/district196org/pdaan92tegiflpbdb57z/certificateofexcellenceinfinancialreporting.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1631293564/district196org/pdaan92tegiflpbdb57z/certificateofexcellenceinfinancialreporting.jpg","width":1500}])
For the 19th year in a row, District 196 has earned the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).
![LWVDakotaCountyLogo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1631203728/district196org/j74yeqmnoewrvqcixlxm/LWVDakotaCountyLogoblue.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1631203728/district196org/j74yeqmnoewrvqcixlxm/LWVDakotaCountyLogoblue.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1631203728/district196org/j74yeqmnoewrvqcixlxm/LWVDakotaCountyLogoblue.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1631203728/district196org/j74yeqmnoewrvqcixlxm/LWVDakotaCountyLogoblue.jpg","width":1061}])
The District 196 School Board virtual forum is Wednesday, Sept. 29, 7-8:30 p.m. It will be available online after for viewing.
![A middle school student waves on the first day of school in September.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1615504936/district196org/c3qolmokry3p36oa3bcq/firstday2020_7_50365152723_o.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1615504936/district196org/c3qolmokry3p36oa3bcq/firstday2020_7_50365152723_o.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1615504936/district196org/c3qolmokry3p36oa3bcq/firstday2020_7_50365152723_o.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1615504936/district196org/c3qolmokry3p36oa3bcq/firstday2020_7_50365152723_o.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1615504936/district196org/c3qolmokry3p36oa3bcq/firstday2020_7_50365152723_o.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1615504936/district196org/c3qolmokry3p36oa3bcq/firstday2020_7_50365152723_o.jpg","width":2200}])
State officials have given school districts the responsibility to determine COVID-19 mitigation strategies at the local level this school year. Review these before the first day of school.
The College Board recognized 646 District 196 high school students for their performance on Advanced Placement (AP) course exams taken during the 2020-21 school year.
![Students walking into school wearing masks.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1630099049/district196org/fehrzxrzoq4zb96htf41/50365839991_1755291e53_k.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1630099049/district196org/fehrzxrzoq4zb96htf41/50365839991_1755291e53_k.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1630099049/district196org/fehrzxrzoq4zb96htf41/50365839991_1755291e53_k.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1630099049/district196org/fehrzxrzoq4zb96htf41/50365839991_1755291e53_k.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1630099049/district196org/fehrzxrzoq4zb96htf41/50365839991_1755291e53_k.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1630099049/district196org/fehrzxrzoq4zb96htf41/50365839991_1755291e53_k.jpg","width":2048}])
Face masks will be required in all District 196 buildings beginning Monday, August 30 because the spread of COVID-19 in Dakota County is currently at a “high transmission level.
![MAC building front entrance]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1628702827/district196org/cxrdehdgrh0mrr9kioeb/IMG_2933.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1628702827/district196org/cxrdehdgrh0mrr9kioeb/IMG_2933.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1628702827/district196org/cxrdehdgrh0mrr9kioeb/IMG_2933.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1628702827/district196org/cxrdehdgrh0mrr9kioeb/IMG_2933.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1628702827/district196org/cxrdehdgrh0mrr9kioeb/IMG_2933.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1628702827/district196org/cxrdehdgrh0mrr9kioeb/IMG_2933.jpg","width":2200}])
The District 196 Area Learning Center (ALC) high school program will be located in the new building to start the school year this fall.
Sixteen District 196 residents filed affidavits of candidacy for three open seats in the Nov. 2, 2021 School Board election. Two of the three incumbents and 14 challengers filed.
Our primary focus continues to be the education of our students, while integrating health and safety responses into our existing pre-pandemic public health support.
![Three district 196 grads are participating in the 2020 olympics]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626815121/district196org/q8ujok3wmjcpkdfzyvyo/196Olympians.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626815121/district196org/q8ujok3wmjcpkdfzyvyo/196Olympians.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1626815121/district196org/q8ujok3wmjcpkdfzyvyo/196Olympians.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1626815121/district196org/q8ujok3wmjcpkdfzyvyo/196Olympians.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1626815121/district196org/q8ujok3wmjcpkdfzyvyo/196Olympians.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626815121/district196org/q8ujok3wmjcpkdfzyvyo/196Olympians.png","width":2000}])
Payton Otterdahl (’14, RHS), Gable Steveson (’18, AVHS) and Mallory Weggemann (’07, EHS) are among the athletes vying for medals in shot put, wrestling and swimming, respectively, in the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic games.
![apply for educational benefits at district196.org/edbenefits]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1626728906/district196org/qbmfenptvd4xi7ixqoyd/APPLYTODAY1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1626728906/district196org/qbmfenptvd4xi7ixqoyd/APPLYTODAY1.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1626728906/district196org/qbmfenptvd4xi7ixqoyd/APPLYTODAY1.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1626728906/district196org/qbmfenptvd4xi7ixqoyd/APPLYTODAY1.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1626728906/district196org/qbmfenptvd4xi7ixqoyd/APPLYTODAY1.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1626728906/district196org/qbmfenptvd4xi7ixqoyd/APPLYTODAY1.png","width":2000}])
Formerly known as the Free and Reduced-Price Meals Program, the Educational Benefits Program is more than just a free meal application. It also provides critical funding for your child's school.
Three of the seven at-large positions on the School Board of Independent School District 196 are up for election in the Nov. 2, 2021 General School Board Election.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Valley Middle School of STEM, 900 Garden View Dr, Apple Valley, MN 55124
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Black Hawk Middle School, 1540 Deerwood Dr, Eagan, MN 55122
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Rosemount Middle School, 3135 143rd St W, Rosemount, MN 55068
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Dakota Ridge School