Board recognizes Dakota Hills Blue Ribbon, names new general counsel and shares superintendent updates
Summary
The board celebrated Dakota Hills Middle School’s selection as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School, welcomed new general counsel Adam Wattenbarger, and the superintendent highlighted student achievements and upcoming events.
The ISD 196 board used part of its Jan. 12 organizational meeting to recognize school and staff achievements and relay district updates.
Eric Hansen introduced Dakota Hills Middle School as a 2025 National Blue Ribbon School and invited Principal Trevor Johnson to recognize more than two dozen staff and district office contributors to the nomination. The board thanked Pat Sullivan, the school’s founding principal, who was seated in the audience.
Superintendent Michael Bolsoni recognized several accomplishments and updates: Eastview High School alum Margie Fried qualified for the 2026 U.S. Olympic biathlon team; the district designated Jan. 19–23 (noted in materials) as paraprofessional appreciation week; Zach Prax of Eastview High was named Minnesota's outstanding speech and debate educator of the year; and Adam Wattenbarger, previously deputy general counsel, was introduced as District 196's new general counsel effective Jan. 5.
Bolsoni also acknowledged ongoing community concerns related to safety and immigrant families' fear of leaving home; he said the district will provide online access to instructional materials for students unable to attend school and pledged continued support for transportation staff during operational challenges. He encouraged staff and board members to attend the Minnesota School Boards Association conference and noted two board members will receive MSBA leadership awards.
