St. Cloud Area School District

Students at its Heart

Where Belonging, Innovation, and Opportunity Thrive

At the center of Minnesota’s heartland, the St. Cloud Area School District is redefining public education through a powerful blend of inclusivity, innovation, and community collaboration. Under the visionary leadership of Superintendent Dr. Laurie Putnam, the district has embraced a mission rooted in safety, belonging, collaboration, and excellence—principles that are more than aspirational values. They are the foundation of every program, partnership, and policy guiding the district forward.

With a student population rich in diversity and a community deeply invested in the success of its youth, St. Cloud is emerging as a statewide leader in equitable access, post-secondary preparation, language immersion, and cutting-edge technology integration. And with the successful passage of a major facilities referendum, the district is also making bold infrastructure moves to support long-term growth.

A Mission That Moves Beyond Words

Superintendent Putnam frames the district’s mission with clarity and passion. “Everything we do begins with safety—not just physical safety, but academic, social, and emotional safety,” she explains. That focus on safety enables the district to foster true belonging—a sense that every student, staff member, and family is welcome and supported.

Collaboration is another essential pillar. “No work in our district is done in isolation,” Putnam emphasizes. “Our teams function through relationships, partnerships, and shared goals.” The result is a culture where excellence is not defined by rigid standards but by high expectations supported by meaningful resources, flexibility, and compassion.

This mission-driven approach has led to both national recognition and real-world outcomes that are transforming the lives of students and families across the St. Cloud area.

Empowering the Future: The Future 100 Initiative

One of the district’s most impactful programs is its Future 100 Initiative, launched to ensure that every graduating student has a solid plan for what comes next—whether it’s college, technical training, the military, or direct entry into the workforce.

Now entering its second year, the initiative has already yielded impressive results. Applications to local postsecondary institutions have surged—up 47% for St. Cloud State University and 60% for St. Cloud Technical & Community College (SCTCC). These increases are fueled by waived application fees, support from college reps, and personalized guidance for each student.

The district has brought together a coalition of partners, including workforce organizations, local colleges, and community groups, to support this initiative. Mock interviews, job shadowing, and hands-on career exploration opportunities ensure that students are not only planning for their futures—they’re experiencing them.

Full-Service Schools, Fully Supported Students

Building on its holistic approach, St. Cloud Area School District is one of the few districts in Minnesota to receive a $2.5 million federal grant to implement Full Service Community Schools over five years. These schools serve as neighborhood hubs where students and families can access health services, academic support, mental health care, food assistance, and more.

In partnership with 14 local organizations—including health clinics, the Boys & Girls Club, and community arts centers—the initiative addresses key barriers to learning such as transportation, housing instability, and food insecurity.

“This is about meeting students where they are,” Putnam explains. “We’re not waiting for kids to come to us with needs—we’re proactively providing wraparound services so they can thrive academically and personally.”

The model, she adds, is guided by student and family voices, and it ensures that principals and teachers are part of the planning process, creating schools that are responsive and relevant to their communities.

Language Immersion as a Bridge to Belonging

In a district where over 80 languages are spoken, language learning is about more than curriculum—it’s about connection. St. Cloud Area School District offers one of the oldest Chinese immersion programs in the country, alongside thriving Spanish immersion offerings. These programs not only provide cognitive and academic benefits but also reinforce the district’s core value of belonging.

The district also piloted a Somali immersion program, though resource constraints made full implementation challenging. Still, Somali remains a core foreign language offering, allowing students to maintain their linguistic heritage while strengthening academic performance.

“We want every student to see themselves reflected in their education,” Putnam says. “Language is a powerful way to affirm identity and build cultural bridges.”

Leading the Charge on Artificial Intelligence in Education

St. Cloud Area School District is not only preparing students for the world—they’re preparing students to shape it. Last year, the district hosted Minnesota’s first Thought Leader Summit on Artificial Intelligence, drawing over 200 attendees, including educators, state leaders, and legislators. The district has also hosted its second Thought Leader Summit to equal success.

Next year, the district will offer a generative AI course for all middle school students, ensuring early literacy in one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. The curriculum focuses not just on how to use AI, but how to think critically about it—exploring ethical considerations, data integrity, and the potential for bias.

“We’re not afraid of emerging technology,” Putnam says. “We’re leaning into it and making sure our students become thoughtful users and creators of tomorrow’s tools.”

The district is also embedding career pathway programs aligned with regional workforce needs, including health care and emergency response management. These programs include industry certifications, dual credit opportunities, and real-world internships, giving students a clear path from classroom to career.

Overcoming Budget Challenges with Community Support

Despite its innovation and impact, St. Cloud Area School District faces significant funding hurdles. Designated as the most underfunded district in Minnesota, it operates with fewer resources per pupil than comparable districts.

Still, community support has made all the difference. In 2023, voters overwhelmingly passed a facilities referendum that will fund renovations at Apollo High School to improve school safety and prepare students for future-ready learning as well as construct the new multi-purpose indoor athletic facility. The athletic complex will be open for youth and adult leagues and serve as a resource for the entire St. Cloud area. Meanwhile, the high school will provide upgraded learning environments aligned with 21st-century educational needs.

“We’re incredibly grateful to our community,” Putnam says. “Their investment in our facilities is an investment in our students—and in our region’s future.”

Ready, Set, School: Removing Barriers, One Backpack at a Time

In a bid to eliminate hidden costs and reduce waste, the district recently launched the Ready, Set, School initiative—a project designed to eliminate school supply fees for families, starting with all district preschool students and those at Talahi Community School.

Thanks to a generous donor and support from the St. Cloud Rotaract Club, families receive fully stocked supply kits that support classroom readiness from day one. The goal is to expand this effort district-wide in future years.

“Too often, the cost of school supplies is a barrier for families,” Putnam notes. “We’re removing that obstacle while also teaching students the value of sustainability and resource stewardship.”

National Recognition and a Model for the State

The Minnesota Department of Education recently recognized St. Cloud Area Schools as an PBIS Exemplar Status District, citing its commitment to inclusive practices, student engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. The honor reflects the tireless work of district leaders, teachers, families, and students alike.

As one of the state’s most diverse and forward-looking districts, St. Cloud is charting a course that others are beginning to follow. Whether through community schools, AI literacy, or career readiness, the district is proving that excellence is not the exception—it’s the expectation.

Looking Ahead

As Superintendent Putnam and her team look to the future, their priorities are clear: expand AI integration, deepen career pathway programming, and continue reducing economic and social barriers for students.

“We’re building a system where every child has what they need to succeed,” she says. “And we’re doing it by bringing everyone to the table—students, families, educators, and community partners.”

In St. Cloud, public education isn’t just about instruction—it’s about imagination, infrastructure, and inclusion. From classrooms to community centers, this district is setting a powerful example of what it means to educate the whole child in a rapidly changing world.

AT A GLANCE:

Name: St Cloud Area School District

What: A progamressive and focused school district putting its students first

Where: Minnesota, USA

Website: https://www.isd742.org/