2026 Annual Report

Annual Report

isd2144.org

A Message from Our Superintendent Dear Wildcat Families & Community Members, At Chisago Lakes Schools, we believe our community deserves to know not only where we've been, but where we're headed. That's why I'm pleased to share our 2026-2027 Annual Report.

What’s Inside Superintendent Message About the District Connect with Us CLSD At a Glance Strategic Plan Update Academic Data Student Learning

Inside, you'll find a comprehensive look at our district, including student achievement data, financial stewardship, progress on our Strategic Plan, and important back-to-school information to help your family prepare for the year ahead.

This report reflects the hard work of our students, staff, families, and community partners. Together, we continue to build on our tradition of excellence while remaining focused on providing every student with the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

General Fund

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and investment in Chisago Lakes Schools. We are excited to welcome our students back for another outstanding school year and look forward to all we will accomplish together.

Fund Balance

Go Wildcats!

Back to School Info

Brian Dietz Superintendent Chisago Lakes School District

School Finance 101 Budget Overview

School Calendar

About Chisago Lakes School District Chisago Lakes School Board Lori Berg Chair

Jen Penzenstadler Clerk

Jeff Lindeman Vice Chair

Josh Soderlund Director

Brenda Carlson Treasurer

Sarah Aadland Director

About Chisago Lakes School District The Chisago Lakes School District unites five historical communities with a tradition of excellence. Each community offers a unique history and contemporary charm. Spanning 165 square miles, the district encompasses 24 lakes and the scenic St. Croix River Valley, providing abundant recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

The District serves approximately 3,200 students from PreK through grade 12 and their families. Our Primary School, located in Chisago City, serves PreK through grade 1 students. Taylors Falls Elementary School, located in Taylors Falls, serves PreK through grade 5, while Lakeside Elementary School in Chisago City serves grades 2–5. Chisago Lakes Middle School and Chisago Lakes High School are both located in Lindstrom.

In addition to our traditional school settings, the District offers Wildcat Academy, a flexible online learning program serving students in grades 8–12. Wildcat Academy provides a high-quality virtual education option for families seeking a personalized learning experience while remaining connected to Chisago Lakes Schools.

The Chisago Lakes School District also collaborates with the St. Croix River Education District to house the Chisago Lakes Education Center, which includes the Pathway to Change and SOAR (Skill-building Opportunities for Academic Resiliency) programs.

We are proud of our longstanding tradition of excellence in academics, fine arts, community education, athletics, and extracurricular activities, providing every student with opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

Connect with Us Social Media Chisago Lakes School District Chisago Lakes School District

Staff Directory Looking to contact a specific staff member? Visit our staff directory on our website or scan the QR Code below.

YouTube Chisago Lakes School District School Board Meetings

Website www.isd2144.org

Phone & Email 651-213-2000 communications@isd2144.org

Wildcat Activities Looking for Wildcat Activities schedules and to purchase tickets? Scan the QR code below for more information.

Chisago Lakes School District

AT A GLANCE 3,153

503

STUDENTS ENROLLED

STAFF MEMBERS

Highlights 94% CLHS’s graduation rate continues to be above Minnesota state average.

(MDE)

Consistently scores above the state average on the MCAs. (MDE)

90% Chisago Lakes families are satisfied with the education their child receives.

(2026 Parent Survey)

91.5% Chisago Lakes families consider Chisago Lakes a high performing district.

(2026 Parent Survey)

Strategic Plan Update The 2025-2026 school year marks the second year of implementation of the district’s updated strategic plan. The full strategic plan is available at www.isd2144.org/about-us/strategic-plan

Funding Maximizing the value of education through all available streams We have received continuous feedback on our Bond campaign on how we message items We have made changes to our digital footprint from their feedback to improve understanding and education for others We have instituted changes to better inform our community stakeholders

Evidence Based Instructional Practices Expand the framework for implementation of evidence based instructional practices that allows all students, staff, and teachers to thrive.

We launched Wildcat Academy, the district’s first on-line academy Reshaped the CLMS schedule to add other options to enhance the 6th grade experience at no cost Work on system-wide enhanced supports in all areas Provide coaching and mentoring

For more information on our Strategic Plan, scan the QR code

Strategic Storytelling Share authentic, compelling, and trustbuilding narratives with our Chisago Lakes community through Strategic Storytelling.

Reaffirmed all of the communication we do through the Communication Matrix Expanded access through the redesign of a comprehensive Annual Report Focused additional outreach and marketing for Wildcat Academy and future enrollment through the ‘Make Your Imprint’ campaign Interstate 35 Boards Additional marketing materials On-goIng community engagement through presentations

Community Involvement Coordinate opportunities to increase community involvement.

Establishing a mentor-based program, in partnership with Rotary, to support our 8th grade students who are in need Launching a county-wide initiative centered on on-going education for students, staff, and families We are also working on a county-wide volunteer/mentor program

Engagement Purposefully facilitating and engaging the students, staff, families, and community members.

We successfully started the Listening Sessions this past year Limited to no attendance Will continue on a twice a year basis Created a monthly ‘Soup with the Supt.’ meeting with a variety of topics and great attendance Present and receive feedback at city and community meetings throughout the year Interact with stakeholders at a variety of events and activities throughout the year

Reflection 4 out of the 5 goals are at completion We have dozens of new or enhanced initiatives through this plan District leadership will continue to monitor these new initiatives and make adjustments as needed

Academic Data Chisago Lakes consistently outperforms state and regional averages in reading, math, and science at all grade levels. MCAs help us understand how well we align daily lessons to state standards, and how well resources are supporting instruction in reading, math, and science.

MCA Math Scores

2022

2023

56.6%

45.2%

45.5%

58.1%

Chisago Lakes

55.5%

45.5%

44.8%

51.2%

State

2024

2025

MCA Reading Scores

2022

2023

56.1%

49.6%

49.9%

57%

Chisago Lakes

56.1%

49.9%

51.1%

56.3%

State

2024

2025

MCA Science Scores

2022

2023

42.6%

39.6%

41.9%

Chisago Lakes

39.2%

41.3%

45.2%

State

2024

Supporting Student Learning How we use data to support student learning MTSS (Multi-tiered System of Supports) is a framework for educators and school leaders to ensure that each student at Chisago Lakes is thriving academically, behaviorally, emotionally and socially. MTSS is not a separate program or curriculum. Instead, it is a framework that is integrated throughout all grade levels, subject areas, and learning environments.

MTSS uses student data to help educators make informed decisions about instruction and support. By regularly reviewing student progress, Chisago Lakes can identify strengths, address challenges early, and provide the right level of support at the right time.

Are students learning what we teach?

Guides daily instruction for all students Daily student work Chapter tests Projects Essay Quizzes Who may be at risk?

Identifies risk level for not meeting standards FastBridge Suite of Assessments Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) Capti ReadBasix

Who may need a greater challenge?

Enrichment & Advanced Learning Identifies students who may benefit from acceleration, enrichment, or advanced opportunities Performance Tasks & Student thinking Classroom Observation COGAT (as needed for identification)

Who needs additional support?

Determine instructional response Analyze data Identify skill deficits Determine interventions Is the support working?

Monitoring progress Measure response to intervention

Grad Rates MCA ACT

Did students meet standards?

School Finance 101 How many different funds does CLSD have?

6

General Fund Instruction School & District Administration Pupil Support Sites & Buildings Food Service Breakfast Lunch

Community Education Kids Club - Childcare Youth & Adult Enrichment Early Learning Wildcat Community Center Custodial/Scholarship Construction

Debt Service

What percentage of the District’s revenue comes from local property taxes?

11.9% of our revenue comes from local property tax revenue

Fund Balance Basics What is a fund balance?

The difference between assets & liabilities representing the district’s “savings account” or financial cushion.

A district’s fund balance is an important aspect in considering the district’s financial well being.

Provides for things such as: Cash flow Cushion against unanticipated expenditures Enrollment changes Funding deficiencies Aid proration at the state level Fund Balance Categories Assigned - district’s intent for specific purpose Separation/retirement Mindful Planning Unassigned - for all other purposes not described by other categories The fund balance most widely referred to by individuals

Other 6.5% Property Tax Revenue 11.9%

Restricted - legally enforceable constraints Non-Spendable - not in spendable form or legal requirement Prepaid items Inventories

State Revenue 81.2%

FY 27 Budget Overview The annual budget presented includes an analysis of the actual financial results of the District at June 30, 2025, and the anticipated positions at June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2027.

A school district’s budget can be one of the most meaningful and useful documents in public school administration. It depicts the priorities of the School Board, administration, staff and community. The District’s preliminary budget for the fiscal year 2027 is shown below.

Preliminary Budget Fiscal Year 2027 FY 2025 Audited Results

FY 2026 Revised Budget

FY 2027 Preliminary Budget

General Fund

48,514,857

48,197,076

49,240,111

Food Service

2,657,157

2,712,250

2,730,550

Community Service

3,555,189

3,264,674

3,552,403

Construction

0

0

5,201,000

Debt Service

5,396,136

5,688,595

5,765,769

Custodial

32,550

40,000

35,000

60,155,889

59,902,595

66,524,833

General Fund

45,162,519

47,807,973

49,815,251

Food Service

2,647,624

2,747,976

2,675,917

Community Service

3,306,496

3,129,756

3,298,653

Construction

0

0

5,201,000

Debt Service

5,221,089

5,219,539

5,372,411

Custodial

47,200

48,500

35,000

56,384,928

58,953,744

66,398,232

Revenues

Total Revenue

Expenditures

Total Expenditures

General Fund The General Fund contains all revenue and expenditures for the general, day-today operations of the school district. This includes salaries and benefits for teachers, administrators, custodians, secretaries, and para-professionals; instructional supplies, technology, transportation, textbooks, and money spent to operate and repair District buildings. In some ways, it is clearer to express the General Fund in terms of what it does not cover. The General Fund does not cover food service, Community Education programs, debt service payments on voterapproved bonds issued by the District, and the cost of major construction projects financed through the issuance of bonds.

General Fund Revenue Other 6.5% Property Tax Revenue 11.9%

General Fund Expenditures Capital/LTFM 4%

Purchased Services 18.9%

Salaries & Benefits 74%

State Revenue 81.2%

Fund Balance The level of spending is set with a number of considerations in mind, but one of the primary considerations is to maintain an adequate level of reserves for unanticipated events. The District has a formal policy calling for an unassigned fund balance in the General Fund equal to at least 7.0% to 10.0% of total expenditures. This balance could be considered to be the District’s insurance policy against the unforeseen. Maintaining an adequate fund balance is important for the stability of the district, and is a key measure that credit rating agencies examine when assigning a credit rating to a District, which can have a material impact to resident taxpayers. The projected unassigned General Fund balance as of June 30, 2026 is $3,376,568. This is 7.06% of the expenditure budget.

Unanticipated events that could occur that would require the District to dip into its unassigned fund balance include: Enrollment fluctuations Unanticipated price increases for essential purchases, e.g. fuel for heating, other utilities, transportation State aid revenue reductions or ‘pro-rations’ Unforeseen public health emergencies or severe weather/natural disasters Federal sequestration

General Fund - Unnassigned Fund Balance Projection

Unassigned Expenditures Fund Balance %

Actual 6/30/2025

Projected 6/30/2026

Projected 6/30/2027

$3,186,287

$3,376,568

$3,499,149

7.06%

7.06%

7.02%

Want to take a deeper dive into school finance?

Visit our website by scanning the QR for more information.

Back to School

2026 - 2027 School Year We are excited to welcome everyone back!

Important Dates School Supply Lists Now available online!

Secondary Teacher Placements Friday, August 7

Elementary Classroom Placements Friday, August 14 Open House Dates Secondary: Tuesday, August 25 Elementary: Wednesday, August 26 First Day of School Tuesday, September 1

Helpful Resources Let’s make it a great year!

Our dedicated staff is ready to inspire, challenge, and support every student - every day! Thank you for being a valued park of our Wildcat community.

Scan the QR code to visit our Back to School webpage for a centralized location for all items related to the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

Chisago Lakes School District 2026-27 District Calendar

2026

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First Day of School: K - 12

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No School: Labor Day

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No School: Staff Development

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CLEC P/T Conferences

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Elementary P/T Conferences

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12 13 14 15 16 19 20 21 22 23 26 27 28 29 30

December

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Teachers Report

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End of Term 1

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No School: Staff Development

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HS P/T Conferences

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30

January

28 29 30 31

18

No School: PreK - 12

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End of Term 2

22

No School: Staff Development

2027 January M

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T 5

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February F

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1 8

February

March

2&4

Elementary P/T Conferences

4

Early Release: K - 5 Only

5

No School: K - 5 Only

10 11 12

15

No School: Staff Development

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CLEC P/T Conferences

18

HS P/T Conferences

25

MS P/T Conferences

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MS P/T Conferences

8 - 12

No School: Spring Break

26

No School: PreK - 12

April 1

End of Term 3

2

No School: Staff Development

May

Approved 2/19/2026

School not in session All schools closed - Staff Development No School - Elementary Only

2

Parent / Teacher conferences First / Last day of school End of Term

6

HS P/T Conferences

28

No School: Staff Development

31

No School: K - 12

June 3

Last Day for Students

4

Staff Development

29678 Karmel Ave Chisago City, MN 55012

Enroll Today!

New & Returning Engagement Sessions Soup with the Superintendent will return this fall. Join Superintendent Dietz and District Administration for conversation over Soup.

New this fall will be Donuts & Dollars.

Join Robyn Vosberg-Torgerson Director of Business Services for conversations around school finance while enjoying coffee and donuts!

Look for more information about both engagment sessions coming in August.

Wildcat Activities Looking for Wildcat Activities schedules and to purchase tickets? Scan the QR code below for more information.