StoryCall to order and pledge of allegianceJune 29, 2026

School board celebrates state championship teams and athletic achievements

The Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school board unanimously approved a revised agenda on June 23 and spent much of the meeting recognizing student athletes who won state championships and set records across multiple sports.

Published Jun 29, 2026

Vice Chairperson Williams presided over the meeting in the absence of Chair Corey Johnson. Board members Sakouten and Jackie moved and seconded approval of the revised agenda, which passed 6-0. The agenda included adding termination and non-renewal of probationary teachers to the consent agenda.

The bulk of the meeting focused on celebrating student achievements. Luke Bakken of Rosemount High School was recognized for finishing third in the 1600-meter run at the state high school track meet with a time of 4:13, setting a new school record and earning All-American status from the National High School Cross Country Track and Field Coaches Association. Bakken's achievement was particularly notable given that he had recovered from hip surgery just 18 months prior. Abby Esler was honored for her track accomplishments, including a second-place finish in the long jump with a personal best of 18 feet 9 inches. Ethan Wilsky capped his high school career with a third-place finish in the 800-meter run at the state meet.

The board also recognized two state championship teams. The Rosemount High School girls flag football team went undefeated at 14-0 with seven shutouts. Coach Jeff Erdman advocated for the Minnesota State High School League to make flag football an official sanctioned sport, noting that 104 high school teams across the state participated in the emerging league. The Eastview High School boys volleyball team won the state championship, with Coach Ryan Denali introducing team members including senior setter Bryce Donnell and senior outside hitter Jonah Gustafson. The Rosemount High School boys baseball team also won a state championship, with Head Coach Chris Watson introducing the roster.

The board introduced three new administrators: Ann Jardine as the new principal at Dakota Hills Middle School, Tamiko Thomas as the district's new Area Learning Center coordinator, and Alyssa Schultz as the new principal at Rosemount Elementary School. The board also recognized Tom Edstrom, the outgoing principal of Rosemount Elementary, for 25 years of leadership. Additionally, the Eastview Community Foundation presented grants to teachers for various classroom and school initiatives, and students Lillian Bloom, Brielle Green, and Mia Noonan received Minnesota Broadcasters Association scholarships.

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Full analysis

Areas of Interest (5)

The school board is considering the termination and non-renewal of probationary teachers, a significant personnel decision with potential implications for staff morale and educational continuity.
Recognition of multiple state championship teams (girls flag football, boys volleyball, baseball) highlights strong athletic programs and raises questions about resource allocation and support for emerging sports.
The push for girls flag football to become an emerging sport status suggests a growing trend in high school athletics and potential for future program expansion and opportunities for female athletes.
The district is welcoming several new principals and coordinators, indicating a period of leadership transition and a potential shift in administrative focus or priorities.
Community foundations are actively supporting schools through grants for innovative programs and teacher recognition, demonstrating a partnership between the community and the district.

Votes (1)

Approve the revised agenda, including the addition of termination and non-renewal of probationary teachers to the consent agenda.

Passes6-0

Moved by Sakouten · Seconded by Jackie

Notable Quotes (17)

We will be working off a revised agenda today, which includes the addition of termination and non-renewal of probationary teachers to the consent agenda.
— Board Member

Agenda ApprovalDuring the motion to approve the agenda.

Two years ago and in his freshman season in March, Luke was diagnosed with a broken hip. Had to have surgery and 8 months recovery, forfeiting his freshman track season and his sophomore cross country season. In the 18 months since, relatively successful with hard work, he was an all-state cross country runner this fall at the state cross country meet, and culminating as he got faster all spring at the state high school meet, where he ran 9:14 in the 3200 to take fifth and 4:13 in the 1600 for third place overall and the top non-senior in the 1600. Both of those are not only new school records, but also recognized by the National High School Cross Country Track and Field Coaches Association as All-American status.
— Tom Sharp

Student Athlete RecognitionIntroducing Luke Bakken.

Uh things I love about Abby as an athlete is her fierce competitiveness, her desire for winning, and perfecting the events that she competes in. And finally, how she shows up in the big moments. Uh, we like to say she's a gamer.
— Sarah Hatley

Student Athlete RecognitionIntroducing Abby Esler.

She went from sixth to third to second place this year. And with a personal best jumping 18 ft 9 in.
— Sarah Hatley

Student Athlete RecognitionDescribing Abby Esler's progression in the long jump.

Ethan Wilsky capped off his outstanding career at EHS Wildcat track athlete with a third-place finish at the 800-m run at State High School League track and field meet.
— Jason Elias

Student Athlete RecognitionIntroducing Ethan Wilsky.

This team went 14 and 0 and had seven shutouts along the way. The girls flag league that we participated in is in its third year and there were 104 high school teams across the state participating. I'm here tonight to celebrate the accomplishments of this team and to ask for your support for promoting the Minnesota State High School League to make this an emerging sport. This is the first step to becoming a state sanctioned sport.
— Jeff Erdman

Team Recognition and Sport AdvocacyIntroducing the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team and advocating for emerging sport status.

Our female athletes have gone far too long without having the opportunity to play this game. In the past 3 years our girls have played at halftime of a Vikings game, played at halftime of a Gopher spring football game, played on ESPN2 when we became the first team ever from Minnesota to make the sweet 16 at the national uh the NFL flag national championships in Canton, Ohio and we've won two state championships while recording a 35 and one varsity record.
— Jeff Erdman

Sport AdvocacyHighlighting the achievements and advocating for girls flag football.

The group of seniors that we had uh was a pretty transformative force in our program. And I think it touched a lot of the volleyball community outside of the program because a lot of them are really well connected with kids from other places.
— Ryan Denali

Team RecognitionIntroducing the Eastview High School boys volleyball state championship team.

We played the most difficult schedule in the state this year and dropped only four sets in 34 matches. We were 11 and 0 against the top 10. And EHS was the first ever boys volleyball program in Minnesota to achieve a top 10 regional ranking, which is across a 13-state area stretching from Kentucky all the way to through the Dakotas.
— Ryan Denali

Team RecognitionDescribing the Eastview High School boys volleyball team's successful season.

Our motto is out of many, we are one. This group embodies every word of that mantra. This year we ended up with a 25 and five record. We are the number one seed in our section, and in the state tournament ended up beating the number one and number two seeds in the state tournament.
— Chris Watson

Team RecognitionIntroducing the Rosemount High School boys baseball state championship team.

First, congratulations to three Eastview High School students who are broadcast journalism students. They were honored with the 2026 Minnesota Broadcasters Association James Wyker scholarships. That is going to Lillian Bloom, Brielle Green, and Mia Noonan.
— Superintendent Bolsoni

Student RecognitionSuperintendent's recognition of students.

We are especially proud to celebrate a national champion, Rosemount High School junior Noah Sanborn, became the first National Speech and Debate Association national champions in Rosemount High School history, winning the national title in original spoken word poetry.
— Superintendent Bolsoni

Student RecognitionSuperintendent's recognition of students.

Tonight, what an incredible visual representation of the excellence that is District 196. I will also say I think it's a sober reminder to myself to bring my A game.
— Ann Jardine

Introduction of New StaffExpressing her excitement and commitment upon being introduced as the new principal of Dakota Hills Middle School.

Every time I mention to somebody, and I was just at a principal's conference last week, so I had an opportunity to say this a lot. They'll ask me, "Where are you going next year?" And when I say that I'm going to 196, 100% of the people have said, "You're joining a great district.
— Tamiko Thomas

Introduction of New StaffExpressing her enthusiasm for joining District 196 as the new ALC coordinator.

As a 196 grad, a district parent, a former 196 teacher, and now principal, I understand our community's values and unique strengths from multiple perspectives. And I'm wholeheartedly committed to this district and look forward to leading Rosemount Elementary in its next chapter.
— Alyssa Schultz

Introduction of New StaffSpeaking after being introduced as the new principal of Rosemount Elementary School.

The Eastview Community Foundation is uh it connects the business and communities um to the school through three primary um ways. Um, student scholarships for graduating seniors, staff grants, and our Random Acts of Kindness Program.
— Becky Hagen

Community Foundation GrantsIntroducing the Eastview Community Foundation and its initiatives.

We selected this because it reflects a student-centered approach to engagement and removes barriers and supports diverse learner needs.
— Becky Hagen

Community Foundation GrantsExplaining the rationale for awarding a grant to Nicholas Vogel for PBIS support.

People (79)

SakoutenBoard member

Moved to approve the revised agenda.

JackieBoard member

Seconded the motion to approve the revised agenda.

Corey JohnsonChair

Could not be present; the Vice Chairperson substituted.

Vice Chairperson WilliamsVice Chairperson

Presided over the meeting in the absence of the Chair.

Superintendent BolsoniSuperintendent

Addressed during introductions and recognitions.

Tom SharpHead Men's Track and Field and Cross Country Coach

Introduced Luke Bakken for his athletic achievements.

Luke BakkenStudent Athlete

Recognized for third-place finish in state high school meet.

Tom BakkenParent

Accompanied his son Luke to the meeting.

Kim BakkenParent

Accompanied her son Luke to the meeting.

Sarah HatleyGirls Track and Field Coach

Introduced Abby Esler for her athletic achievements.

Jay HatleyBoys Track and Field Coach

Accompanied his wife Sarah to introduce track finishers.

Abby EslerStudent Athlete

Recognized for achievements in track and field, including state runner-up in long jump.

Paul EslerParent

Parent of Abby Esler, acknowledged for support.

Stacia EslerParent

Parent of Abby Esler, acknowledged for support.

Jason EliasAssistant Principal and Athletic Director

Introduced Ethan Wilsky for his athletic achievements.

Ethan WilskyStudent Athlete

Recognized for third-place finish in the 800-m run at State High School League meet.

PhyllisGrandmother

Supported Ethan Wilsky at the meeting.

Jeff ErdmanVarsity Coach

Introduced the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Bree KunkelVarsity Coach

Co-presented on the Rosemount High School girls flag football team.

Abby ThielmosherStudent Athlete

Member of the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Olivia OwusuStudent Athlete

Member of the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Talia VescioStudent Athlete

Member of the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Olivia DannerStudent Athlete

Member of the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Ella OlsonStudent Athlete

Member of the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Ava CasperStudent Athlete

Member of the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Abby EstlerStudent Athlete

Member of the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Delaney MackinStudent Athlete

Member of the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Taylor KriegStudent Athlete

Member of the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Greta ReichertStudent Athlete

Member of the Rosemount High School girls flag football state championship team.

Ryan DenaliBoys Volleyball Coach

Introduced the Eastview High School boys volleyball state championship team.

Bryce DonnellSenior Setter

Member of the Eastview High School boys volleyball state championship team.

Tatum TowellSophomore

Member of the Eastview High School boys volleyball state championship team.

Ben MatthewsSenior Opposite

Member of the Eastview High School boys volleyball state championship team.

Garrett PaschSenior Middle Blocker

Member of the Eastview High School boys volleyball state championship team.

Jonah GustafsonSenior Outside Hitter

Member of the Eastview High School boys volleyball state championship team.

Henry HagenSenior Middle Blocker

Member of the Eastview High School boys volleyball state championship team.

Tori RichterSenior Setter

Member of the Eastview High School boys volleyball state championship team.

Brady NathanAssistant Coach

Coached the Eastview High School boys volleyball team.

Rose CarlsonAssistant Coach

Coached the Eastview High School boys volleyball team.

Chris WatsonHead Baseball Coach

Introduced the Rosemount High School boys baseball state championship team.

Jake MichaelStudent Athlete