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Board names new Northwest Maple Grove school Aspen Ridge Elementary
Summary
After a community thought exchange with more than 1,200 participants and nearly 25,000 ratings, the board adopted Superintendent Dr. Kim Heil's recommendation to name the new elementary school Aspen Ridge Elementary School, citing nature‑inspired feedback and local geographic fit.
The board approved the name Aspen Ridge Elementary School for the district’s new elementary in northwest Maple Grove on Sept. 23 after staff and a naming committee reviewed 1,298 community participants’ submissions and nearly 25,000 ratings. Kaye Villila, executive director of community relations, described the community engagement process and the selection parameters the committee used.
Superintendent Dr. Kim Heil recommended the name to the board, noting community preference for a nature‑inspired name and the indigenous symbolism of the aspen tree — "unity and protection" — and that the building design already incorporates tree imagery. "Our new name for our elementary school will be Aspen Ridge Elementary School," Heil said, and the board voted to approve the recommendation (moved by Director Mitchell; seconded by Director Dawson) by a 6–0 vote.
Staff said the committee avoided duplicating existing district names (for example, Arbor Ridge was not used to avoid confusion with nearby facilities) and will involve students in selecting a mascot and logo. The district continues to post construction updates at osseoschools.org/betterfuture.
