Continued Success Requires Resources

From events and sports to parent-teacher conferences, we’ve had great opportunities to connect with families in our district. We are grateful to have such engaged families and guardians and enjoy welcoming you into our schools. We hope you took time over fall break to recharge, be with loved ones, and make a plan to vote on the proposed operating levy referendum.

Our school district is home to exceptional educators and dedicated students. We have a strong foundation for success, but continued success requires resources.

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Mark Your Calendars

Mon., October 21 & Tues., October 22 - Fall Preschool Nights
Wednesday, October 22 - AES Unity Day (Wear Orange!)
Friday, October 24 - Monster Mash hosted by AES PTO
Monday, October 27 - School Board Meeting
Monday, October 27 - 7th/8th Grade Band Concert
Monday, October 27 - AMS Parent Advisory Council
Monday, October 27 - AHS Parent Advisory Council
Thursday, October 30 - Last Day of Quarter 1
Thursday, October 30 - AES Picture Retakes
Friday, October 31 - No School: Grading Day
Monday, November 3 - No School: Staff Development Day
Wednesday, November 5 - AMS Picture Retakes
Wednesday, November 5 - AES Fall Conferences
Thursday, November 6 - AES Fall Conferences
Saturday, November 8 - CAF's Purse Bingo Fundraiser
Monday, November 10 - AHS Band Concert
Thursday, November 13 - AES Fall Conferences

Financial challenges are impacting student learning

Annandale Public Schools is proud of the quality education we provide to every student, but financial instability is threatening our ability to maintain excellence. Over the past two years, we’ve reduced our budget by $3.6 million. This included cutting 40 staff positions and increasing activity and parking fees. These decisions were difficult – and are already impacting students through larger class sizes and fewer support services, programs and student activities.

At the core of our financial constraints is a funding issue – nearly 20 years of rising costs that have outpaced state funding. We need a new, long-term, stable funding source. That’s why the district is asking residents to consider an operating levy referendum to provide $1.4 million annually for 10 years.

Why an operating levy?

An operating levy is a local funding source that directly supports our schools. Operating levies help school districts cover essential expenses such as staff salaries, classroom supplies, and student programs.

Why now?

Annandale is falling further behind in local funding, ranking 306 out of 328 Minnesota school districts in per-pupil revenue. Our current voter-approved operating levy generates just $79 per student, far below the state average. The operating levy would provide $1.4 million annually for the next ten years — equivalent to $750 per pupil per year. This funding would help stabilize our budget and protect the educational experience our community expects and deserves.

If approved, a home valued at $300,000 (approx. median in the City of Annandale) would see an increase of $19 per month. A home valued at $450,000 (approx. median in Annandale School District) would see an increase of $28 per month.

Calculate your Impact Here

What’s at stake?

If approved by voters, the operating levy would help Annandale Schools:

Keep talented staff: Stable funding helps us keep great teachers and support staff in our classrooms.
Maintain student services and programs: Stable funding helps us preserve student services and ensure access to a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
Rebuild a healthy fund balance: A strong fund balance helps us manage cash flow and respond to unexpected expenses without resorting to cuts.

If voters reject the referendum, the district will be forced to make additional cuts to staff and programming – which could include impacts to class sizes, student support services, extracurriculars, and learning opportunities.

Find answers to frequently asked referendum questions at: CardinalExcellence.org/faq.

Hear from our teachers

Click on the image to hear what teachers would say to those who are voting.

Hear from more teachers and students at: C ardinalExcellence.org/resources.

Make your voice heard

Early voting is open now, and the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Your vote will help determine the future of our schools. To learn more about the referendum — including the district’s financial challenges, the proposed plan, the cost and tax impact, and how to vote — please visit: CardinalExcellence.org/vote.

Celebrating Our 2025–26 Leadership in Educational Excellence Award (LEEA) Recipients!

Please join us in congratulating our 2025–26 Leadership in Educational Excellence Award (LEEA) honorees!

Michelle Rassier (CE)
Amanda Pawelski (AES)
Janna Holland (AMS)
Tara Kubian (AHS)

The LEEA recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and a positive impact on both students and colleagues. Honorees are nominated and selected by their peers for their excellent work, influence, and daily commitment to excellence.

This year’s recipients truly exemplify what it means to lead with passion and purpose. They will be celebrated at a banquet in St. Cloud on October 29.

Congratulations to our outstanding honorees — thank you for inspiring our staff and students every day!

Upcoming Through Community Education

Discover something for everyone with Annandale Community Education! From early childhood programs to lifelong learning opportunities for seniors, we offer classes, events, and activities for all ages and interests. Explore new skills, connect with others, and make the most of what our vibrant community has to offer.

View ECFE Options

View Youth Programs

Fall Fun at Annandale Preschool!

Our littlest Cardinals are celebrating the season with autumn crafts, outdoor adventures, and big smiles all around.

Annandale Elementary (AES)

AES Receives Generous Shoe Donation from Tradehome Shoes

Annandale Elementary recently received a generous donation of 50 pairs of shoes from Tradehome Shoes—marking the second time in four years that the school has been selected for this wonderful program.

Tradehome Shoes runs a community initiative called “Trade at Home / Give at Home,” which encourages customers and employees to support local schools and organizations. Each year, customers have the opportunity to nominate schools in their communities to receive shoe donations.

Thanks to these nominations, Annandale Elementary was chosen as the winning school for our community! The donation includes shoes for both boys and girls, ranging in sizes 11–7, which will soon make their way onto the feet of students in need.

“We are so grateful for this generous gift,” said school staff. “It’s amazing to see local businesses and community members come together to support our students.”

A huge thank-you to Tradehome Shoes and everyone who helped make this possible.

Monster Mash hosted by AES PTO

Join Us for Unity Day

On Wednesday, October 22, we will be celebrating Unity Day, a special day across the country when schools come together to stand up against bullying and show that kindness and inclusion make our school stronger.

On Unity Day, we want everyone to wear ORANGE — the color that represents unity and support for everyone who has ever been bullied. Let’s fill our hallways with orange to show that at AES, we stand together!

Remember — a little kindness can make a BIG difference! Let’s make Annandale Elementary shine bright in orange and show that we are one team, one school, united for kindness!

Annandale Middle School (AMS)

Future Broadcasters in Action!

Mrs. Nicka’s 6th graders in the Sports Careers Nest class are teaming up with Jeremy Wheeler, the voice of Cardinal Athletics, for an exciting new experience—guest broadcasting during games!

Students are learning firsthand what it’s like to call plays, conduct interviews, and share the energy of game day with our community. Jeremy has even shared some great clips and interviews of their work!

Mrs. Nicka shared, “It has been so fun watching these students do the work and explore this side of the sports world! They are having a blast!”

This awesome opportunity will continue all year long—way to go, future sportscasters!

Upcoming Events:

October 21 - 7th Grade Courage Retreat
October 27 - Parent Advisory Council 5:30-6:15PM
October 27 - 7th & 8th Grade Band Concert @ AHS
October 30 - End of Quarter 1
October 31 - Teacher Grading Day - No school for students

Annandale High School (AHS)

KRDS News

Be sure to check out Annandale High School's KRDS News on YouTube. Click here for the most recent episode that aired on October 10.

AHS Students of the Month!

Each day at AHS, we see students show incredible dedication, perseverance, grit, and drive—going above and beyond in their classes, extracurriculars, and sports. These Cardinals truly make our school the amazing place it is! Congratulations to these outstanding students—thank you for inspiring us all!

Annandale Activities

Designer Purse BINGO is back!

Join the Cardinal Athletic Foundation for an exciting afternoon of bingo, prizes, raffles, and designer bags from top brands like Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach, and more!

Saturday, November 8 (Doors open at 12PM | Games begin at 2PM)

The Boathouse at Tween Lakes

$40/person includes 13 bingo games + burger bar

Raffles • Door Prizes • 50/50 Drawing

Tickets on sale now — must purchase before the event!

Contact: Melissa Paulson at 320-980-6200 | cardinalathleticcf@gmail.com | or stop by American Family (Mon–Fri, 9–5) Come play, win, and support Cardinal Athletics!