Did you know that every Minnesota public school student is part of a trust fund?
Minnesota's Permanent School Fund was established when Minnesota became a state in 1858. It was created to support public education through revenues generated from school trust lands and investments held for the benefit of Minnesota students.
The fund has grown to more than $2 billion, prompting discussion about how much to distribute to schools each year.
Because the distribution rules are written into the Minnesota Constitution, any change requires voter approval, so voters will be able to decide the future of this fund through a ballot question in the Nov. 3, 2026 election.
Learn more: https://www.isd108.org/article/3167611
Minnesota's Permanent School Fund was established when Minnesota became a state in 1858. It was created to support public education through revenues generated from school trust lands and investments held for the benefit of Minnesota students.
The fund has grown to more than $2 billion, prompting discussion about how much to distribute to schools each year.
Because the distribution rules are written into the Minnesota Constitution, any change requires voter approval, so voters will be able to decide the future of this fund through a ballot question in the Nov. 3, 2026 election.
Learn more: https://www.isd108.org/article/3167611
Central Public Schools families are invited to request gifts during the holiday season. If you, or a family you know, would like to receive assistance, please share and complete the following form by this Friday, Oct. 30. All information will be kept confidential.
Complete the Season of Giving form: https://forms.gle/k2TfUNvKYPexvUXQA
Complete the Season of Giving form: https://forms.gle/k2TfUNvKYPexvUXQA
Central Public Schools will have three school board seats on the ballot during the Nov. 3 election. We’re sharing our board candidate responses this week, which you can also view on our website.
Our first board candidate is Cassy Vos!
City of residence: Cologne
How long have you lived in the district? 17 Years
What is your occupation? As a strategic operations and financial leader, I partner across Tax, Finance, IT, and Operations to improve client financial outcomes, optimize business processes, and drive enterprise-wide initiatives. With over 18 years of experience in professional services, I leverage collaboration, analytics, and technology to increase profitability, strengthen accountability, and deliver sustainable business results. My leadership approach centers on developing people, simplifying complexity, and creating a culture of continuous improvement that empowers teams to perform at their highest potential.
Why do you want to be a member of the ISD 108 School Board? I believe strong schools are built through responsible leadership, fiscal accountability, community partnership, and a commitment to student success. My experience leading teams, managing financial performance, and driving meaningful change has prepared me to help guide our district's future while keeping students, families, and educators at the center of every decision.
What qualities will you bring to the board if elected? My professional background has centered on helping organizations achieve better outcomes through strategic leadership, financial stewardship, collaboration, and continuous improvement. For more than 18 years, I have led complex initiatives, managed financial performance, and built strong partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups. These experiences have prepared me to serve as a thoughtful, accountable school board member who will listen to the community, make data-informed decisions, and advocate for students, educators, and families while ensuring responsible management of district resources.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing education today? I believe two of the most important issues facing the education industry today are funding and teacher recruitment and retention. Balancing increasing student and operational needs with limited financial resources. School districts must provide high-quality instruction, attract and retain talented educators, support student and teacher well-being, invest in technology, and maintain facilities, all while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Effective governance requires thoughtful financial planning, transparency, and a focus on ensuring every investment contributes to teacher and student success.
Learn more about each candidate: https://www.central.k12.mn.us/article/3098251
Our first board candidate is Cassy Vos!
City of residence: Cologne
How long have you lived in the district? 17 Years
What is your occupation? As a strategic operations and financial leader, I partner across Tax, Finance, IT, and Operations to improve client financial outcomes, optimize business processes, and drive enterprise-wide initiatives. With over 18 years of experience in professional services, I leverage collaboration, analytics, and technology to increase profitability, strengthen accountability, and deliver sustainable business results. My leadership approach centers on developing people, simplifying complexity, and creating a culture of continuous improvement that empowers teams to perform at their highest potential.
Why do you want to be a member of the ISD 108 School Board? I believe strong schools are built through responsible leadership, fiscal accountability, community partnership, and a commitment to student success. My experience leading teams, managing financial performance, and driving meaningful change has prepared me to help guide our district's future while keeping students, families, and educators at the center of every decision.
What qualities will you bring to the board if elected? My professional background has centered on helping organizations achieve better outcomes through strategic leadership, financial stewardship, collaboration, and continuous improvement. For more than 18 years, I have led complex initiatives, managed financial performance, and built strong partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups. These experiences have prepared me to serve as a thoughtful, accountable school board member who will listen to the community, make data-informed decisions, and advocate for students, educators, and families while ensuring responsible management of district resources.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing education today? I believe two of the most important issues facing the education industry today are funding and teacher recruitment and retention. Balancing increasing student and operational needs with limited financial resources. School districts must provide high-quality instruction, attract and retain talented educators, support student and teacher well-being, invest in technology, and maintain facilities, all while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Effective governance requires thoughtful financial planning, transparency, and a focus on ensuring every investment contributes to teacher and student success.
Learn more about each candidate: https://www.central.k12.mn.us/article/3098251
High School Student Recognition Spotlight!
We are so proud of our hardworking students! Help us celebrate our outstanding award recipients who go above and beyond every single day in our school community:
Academic Achievement Award - Awarded to students who consistently hand in work on time, show great effort, and display high academic standing or impressive growth.
Citizens Bank Citizenship Award - Awarded to students who treat others and property with respect, maintain a positive attitude, take responsibility, and are always ready to lend a helping hand.
Raider Pride Award - Awarded to students who show excellent character, make our school a better place, and embody what it means to be Proactive, Respectful, Inclusive, Determined, and Engaged!
Join us in congratulating these stellar students that were recognized for September!
We are so proud of our hardworking students! Help us celebrate our outstanding award recipients who go above and beyond every single day in our school community:
Academic Achievement Award - Awarded to students who consistently hand in work on time, show great effort, and display high academic standing or impressive growth.
Citizens Bank Citizenship Award - Awarded to students who treat others and property with respect, maintain a positive attitude, take responsibility, and are always ready to lend a helping hand.
Raider Pride Award - Awarded to students who show excellent character, make our school a better place, and embody what it means to be Proactive, Respectful, Inclusive, Determined, and Engaged!
Join us in congratulating these stellar students that were recognized for September!
We’re grateful for the support of our community members during the holiday season. Central Public Schools families are invited to request a Thanksgiving meal kit. All information will be kept confidential.
If you, or a family you know, would like to receive assistance, please share and complete the following form by Friday, Oct. 30.
Season of Thanks: https://forms.gle/grbrFDnKoT3Za2SMA
If you, or a family you know, would like to receive assistance, please share and complete the following form by Friday, Oct. 30.
Season of Thanks: https://forms.gle/grbrFDnKoT3Za2SMA
Earlier this week, a group of 3-5 graders attended the Science and Nature Conference at Gustavus Adolphus College! This optional field trip gave students a chance to attend classes that match their interests. Some of the favorite classes our students attended were:
- Wildlife Around the World
- Fall Mosaics
- K'NEX Race Car Design Challenge
- Bridge Builders
- Origami in Science
- The Phun Physics Circus
It was a fun and exciting day for our students!
- Wildlife Around the World
- Fall Mosaics
- K'NEX Race Car Design Challenge
- Bridge Builders
- Origami in Science
- The Phun Physics Circus
It was a fun and exciting day for our students!
Attention Raiders!! Registration for WINTER activities and sports is NOW OPEN in Bound!! This includes:
Knowledge Bowl (gr. 10 - 12)
Speech (gr. 7 - 12)
Gymnastics (gr. 7 - 12)
Girls Basketball (gr. 9 - 12)
Boys Basketball (gr. 9 - 12)
Boys Basketball (gr. 7/8)
Wrestling (gr. 7 -12)
SAVE THE DATE!!
There will be an important Athlete/Parent meeting on NOVEMBER 1, 2026 in the auditorium at 6:00 PM. After a general informational meeting, athletes will have breakout sessions with their coaches. This meeting is for Wrestlers, Girls basketball players (gr. 9-12) and Boys basketball players (gr. 7/8 and 9-12) See you there!!
If you are not familiar with Bound, our new activities platform, follow this link for information on creating your family and registering for activities/sports.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ASVb3E04Nn0JEA-kLsMdvv-QhnHhMzZDfHpgDGctyNM/edit?usp=sharing
Registration closing dates will vary based on the first day of practice for each activity.
Please contact Mr. Oak (koak@isd108.org, 952-467-7106) or Mrs Crown (kcrown@isd108.org, 952-467-7112) in the Activities office with any questions!!
There’s still time to take the school lunch survey! Families and students can take the Taher school lunch survey by next Friday, Oct. 30. Your voice matters!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRCGGZR
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRCGGZR
Section 6A Soccer CHAMPIONSHIPS are TONIGHT at the Central Raider Stadium!! The boys final begins at 5:00 pm and features Southwest Christian vs. Breck School. The girls match up begins at 7:00 pm between Watertown-Mayer/Mayer Lutheran and Southwest Christian.
ALL tickets are $10 and can be purchased at: https://gofan.co/app/school/MN100626 This is the ONLY ticketing option for tonight since it is a Section event. NO PASSES ACCEPTED.
Come join us for some GREAT soccer!!!
Central is hiring! We’re looking for a Head Cook for the secondary school. Earn a $500 sign on bonus!
Duties include preparing Main Entrees and Limited Time Offer Meals from the menu, unload and organize grocery items, clean and sanitize all equipment and surfaces used by the cook, help with monthly inventory, learning which groceries to order, along with assisting the food service director with activities such as kids in the kitchen.
If interested, you can go directly to Taher, Inc. and apply under Careers. https://www.taher.com/career/
You may also reach out directly to Chantelle Eshleman, Central Food Service Director at 952-467-7147 or email at ceshleman@isd108.org.
Duties include preparing Main Entrees and Limited Time Offer Meals from the menu, unload and organize grocery items, clean and sanitize all equipment and surfaces used by the cook, help with monthly inventory, learning which groceries to order, along with assisting the food service director with activities such as kids in the kitchen.
If interested, you can go directly to Taher, Inc. and apply under Careers. https://www.taher.com/career/
You may also reach out directly to Chantelle Eshleman, Central Food Service Director at 952-467-7147 or email at ceshleman@isd108.org.
It is National School Bus Safety Week! We appreciate our transportation team and bus drivers for ensuring safety for our students on every route each day.
Homecoming 2026 was an incredible time for Central Public Schools! In case you missed the events, we have videos to share the fun with the community thanks to our friends at the City of NYA.
You can watch the Coronation, the Pep Fest, and the Homecoming Parade now on our website: https://www.isd108.org/article/3199555
Every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. And YOU can help save lives by donating at the Central High School American Red Cross Blood Drive!
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 ; 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Central High School - Old Gym (531 Morse St, Norwood Young America, MN)
**Bonus: Donate and receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card via email PLUS 200 bonus points toward Donor Rewards! Details at rcblood.org/Maze.
Schedule your appointment today:
Go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter code CentralHSNYA or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
When: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 ; 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Central High School - Old Gym (531 Morse St, Norwood Young America, MN)
**Bonus: Donate and receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card via email PLUS 200 bonus points toward Donor Rewards! Details at rcblood.org/Maze.
Schedule your appointment today:
Go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter code CentralHSNYA or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Tomorrow, Oct. 20, is the Raiders Tackle Cancer football game!
Gates will open at 6 p.m. for pre-game activities and prizes. All donations and proceeds for our Cancer Awareness will be donated to THE PAY IT FORWARD FUND supported by Ridgeview Foundation | One Cause.
Join us to support a great cause and cheer on your Central Raiders Football Team!
Gates will open at 6 p.m. for pre-game activities and prizes. All donations and proceeds for our Cancer Awareness will be donated to THE PAY IT FORWARD FUND supported by Ridgeview Foundation | One Cause.
Join us to support a great cause and cheer on your Central Raiders Football Team!
It’s time for Raider's Football to Tackle Cancer!
Please join us on Tuesday, Oct. 20, gates will open at 6 p.m. for pre-game activities and prizes. You won’t want to miss out on this!
We will also be selling assorted awareness items like mini footballs, necklaces, wristbands, etc., at the elementary school on Monday and Tuesday during lunch shifts. All items can be purchased with cash ($1-$3)
All donations and proceeds for our Cancer Awareness will be donated to THE PAY IT FORWARD FUND supported by Ridgeview Foundation | One Cause. 💖
Please come out to support a great cause 🎀 and cheer on your Central Raiders Football Team!! 🏈
Please join us on Tuesday, Oct. 20, gates will open at 6 p.m. for pre-game activities and prizes. You won’t want to miss out on this!
We will also be selling assorted awareness items like mini footballs, necklaces, wristbands, etc., at the elementary school on Monday and Tuesday during lunch shifts. All items can be purchased with cash ($1-$3)
All donations and proceeds for our Cancer Awareness will be donated to THE PAY IT FORWARD FUND supported by Ridgeview Foundation | One Cause. 💖
Please come out to support a great cause 🎀 and cheer on your Central Raiders Football Team!! 🏈
📣 Homecoming Pepfest Fun! 💙❤️
Our Homecoming Pepfest was full of school spirit, excitement, and friendly competition! 🎉 Students and staff came together to celebrate as we introduced this year’s Homecoming Court and watched them go head-to-head in some fun competitions alongside our Fall Sports Teams. 🏆
From cheering on our classmates to showing off some friendly rivalry, it was a great way to celebrate our Raiders and build excitement for Homecoming!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Pepfest a memorable part of Homecoming week! ❤️💙
#RaiderPride #Homecoming #SchoolSpirit #GoRaiders
Our Homecoming Pepfest was full of school spirit, excitement, and friendly competition! 🎉 Students and staff came together to celebrate as we introduced this year’s Homecoming Court and watched them go head-to-head in some fun competitions alongside our Fall Sports Teams. 🏆
From cheering on our classmates to showing off some friendly rivalry, it was a great way to celebrate our Raiders and build excitement for Homecoming!
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Pepfest a memorable part of Homecoming week! ❤️💙
#RaiderPride #Homecoming #SchoolSpirit #GoRaiders
Our Fall Recess is coming up this week. There is no school on Oct. 15 and 16. Enjoy the break!
🌅 Senior Sunrise Breakfast ❤️💙
Last Friday morning was a special one as we gathered to celebrate our seniors at the Senior Sunrise Breakfast! 🌅 It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the Class of 2027, reflect on all they have accomplished, and celebrate the exciting journey ahead as they make the most of their final year of high school.
A HUGE thank-you to all the parents who helped organize, prepare, and make this special morning possible! Your time, effort, and generosity helped create a meaningful memory for our seniors, and we are so grateful for everything you did to make it happen! ❤️
Here’s to making the most of senior year and creating memories that will last a lifetime! 🎓✨
#SeniorSunrise #ClassOf2027 #RaiderPride #SeniorYear
Last Friday morning was a special one as we gathered to celebrate our seniors at the Senior Sunrise Breakfast! 🌅 It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the Class of 2027, reflect on all they have accomplished, and celebrate the exciting journey ahead as they make the most of their final year of high school.
A HUGE thank-you to all the parents who helped organize, prepare, and make this special morning possible! Your time, effort, and generosity helped create a meaningful memory for our seniors, and we are so grateful for everything you did to make it happen! ❤️
Here’s to making the most of senior year and creating memories that will last a lifetime! 🎓✨
#SeniorSunrise #ClassOf2027 #RaiderPride #SeniorYear
🎉❤️💙 What a wonderful Homecoming Friday! 💙❤️🎉
On Friday, we celebrated Homecoming with a fantastic parade filled with school spirit, Raider pride, and community tradition!
We were honored to celebrate Sue Aldrich as our Grand Marshal, along with the Classes of 2001 and 1976 as we recognized these special members of our Raider family. ❤️💙
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate, participate, and make the day so memorable! It was a wonderful day filled with Raider pride and community spirit. What a great way to celebrate Homecoming! 🎉
#RaiderPride #Homecoming #OnceARaiderAlwaysARaider
On Friday, we celebrated Homecoming with a fantastic parade filled with school spirit, Raider pride, and community tradition!
We were honored to celebrate Sue Aldrich as our Grand Marshal, along with the Classes of 2001 and 1976 as we recognized these special members of our Raider family. ❤️💙
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate, participate, and make the day so memorable! It was a wonderful day filled with Raider pride and community spirit. What a great way to celebrate Homecoming! 🎉
#RaiderPride #Homecoming #OnceARaiderAlwaysARaider
Registration for GIRLS 7th and 8th grade Basketball has been EXTENDED and will be CLOSING FRIDAY, OCT. 16!! Follow this link for information on creating your family in Bound and registering for basketball.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ASVb3E04Nn0JEA-kLsMdvv-QhnHhMzZDfHpgDGctyNM/edit?usp=sharing
In lieu of a parent/athlete meeting, here is a slideshow link with important information for the season. Please review!!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/122J9dCI2u7v3dJjRVA7spLeovCuLhmIJ/view?usp=sharing
All athletes must have a sports physical prior to participating in practices or games. Practices start on Monday, Oct. 19. Contact the Activities office with any questions! 952-467-7112
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ASVb3E04Nn0JEA-kLsMdvv-QhnHhMzZDfHpgDGctyNM/edit?usp=sharing
In lieu of a parent/athlete meeting, here is a slideshow link with important information for the season. Please review!!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/122J9dCI2u7v3dJjRVA7spLeovCuLhmIJ/view?usp=sharing
All athletes must have a sports physical prior to participating in practices or games. Practices start on Monday, Oct. 19. Contact the Activities office with any questions! 952-467-7112
