Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public School District 196 continues to be respected as one of Minnesota’s top-performing school districts, according to a 2025 community survey conducted by the independent research firm Morris Leatherman Company. Survey results highlight strong public confidence in educational quality, fiscal stewardship, and student support – all at levels well above metro area averages.
Conducted in April 2025 among 500 randomly selected residents, the survey found that 93% of respondents rate the quality of education as “excellent” or “good,” with 30% rating it as “excellent” – a level that ranks among the highest in the metro area. Good teachers, broad curriculum, and excellent academics remain key drivers of these ratings, with a remarkable 94% positive approval rating of teachers by the community.
Fiscal credibility remains a cornerstone of community support, with 80% agreeing that the district is spending bond money effectively and efficiently, and 90% believing the district delivers a good return on investment. Trust in the School Board and administration is equally robust, with 88% saying they trust leaders to do what’s right for children and 83% expressing satisfaction with district decision-making.
“Our findings show a reservoir of goodwill and trust among residents,” said Peter Leatherman of Morris Leatherman Company, during a presentation of results to the School Board in June. “From high educational ratings to exceptional trust in leadership and responsible fiscal management, District 196 is one of the strongest districts we’ve surveyed in the last two years.”
Technology Levy Renewal
The survey also assessed community sentiment regarding renewing the district’s Capital Projects Technology Levy. Voters originally approved the levy in 2015 to fund student devices, internet access, cybersecurity, and infrastructure. If not renewed by voters, the levy will expire this year, resulting in a loss of $9.1 million in local funding. The survey revealed that 85% of residents support renewing the current levy, and 64% favor a modest increase, which would cost the average homeowner approximately $7 per month.
Key areas of support for new funding include:
- Cybersecurity and data protection (82%)
- Career and technical education expansion (74%)
- Assistive technology for students receiving special education services (73%)
- Computer science education expansion (72%)
Informed and Engaged Community
The survey found that 71% of residents feel at least somewhat informed about district decisions, with the district’s Spotlight newsletter, email updates, and website cited as the most credible sources of information.
While 27% of residents said there were no serious issues facing the district (nearly triple the metro norm), 20% cited lack of funding, and 12% cited class sizes as top concerns. A significant 71% expressed concerns about future state or federal government cuts to District 196 funding, while 29% were unconcerned.
District 196 Superintendent Michael Bolsoni expressed gratitude for the community’s partnership and continued support. “These results reflect our shared commitment to students and affirm that our community values high-quality education, responsible financial stewardship, and personalized learning that prepares students for future success,” he said.