One of the things I appreciate most about Cambridge-Isanti Schools is the way our community shows up for our students, families and staff.

Across our district, businesses, nonprofits, civic organizations, faith communities and individuals give their time, resources and expertise to our schools. Sometimes that support is highly visible. Other times, it happens quietly—a scholarship that allows a student to participate, supplies in a Care Closet, dinner for educators during conferences or a community member spending an evening serving on an advisory council.

The Shalom Shop, Minnco Credit Union, Walmart, The Salvation Army, Allina Health/CMC, ClearScript and many others have supported our Care Closets and Here to Help program. This summer alone, their generosity helped our team fill more than 125 Here to Help requests for students and families.

The Isanti County Sportsmen’s Club helped establish our youth enrichment scholarship program because its members believed finances should not prevent a child from participating. In the past two years, dozens of students have received scholarships for enrichment and recreation opportunities, along with funding for physicals or equipment needed for activities, through their support and the generosity of other local partners.

Our partners also help students prepare for what comes next. Anoka-Ramsey Community College provides educational opportunities for our high school students and Adult Basic Education learners. Dollars for Scholars awarded $286,100 in scholarships to the Class of 2026. Rotarians support programs such as Every Meal and provide cultural opportunities for international students. Local businesses and professionals serve as career presenters, work with our College & Career Center and help students explore their futures.

That spirit extends throughout our community. Businesses including NHH Roofing, Affinity Plus, Century 21 Moline Realty, Team Lundeen RE/MAX Realty, The Realest Agents, Cub Foods, Target, Anytime Fitness, and so many others invest in our schools in different ways. DW Companies supports staff professional development and partners with our high school to expand Career and Technical Education opportunities, while Bella Sollé and JoJo’s Photos help us capture and celebrate the big and small moments that make our schools special.

Our faith communities are incredibly generous, stepping in to meet needs, support families and care for our staff in significant ways. Volunteers serve for thousands of hours in classrooms and programs, while community members give their evenings to advisory councils, committees and other district groups. Our School Board members also dedicate countless hours to our students, staff and community—something I am especially grateful for during September’s School Board Appreciation Month.

The Bluejacket Education Foundation is another powerful example of this dedication to our schools. In just two years, donor support has provided more than $75,000 for innovative educational projects. On October 3, our community can come together again at Future Fest 2026: Pep Rally Edition at the Braham Event Center to celebrate our students and support the Foundation’s continued work.

And these are only a few examples. I could fill several columns with personal stories of the people and organizations who give their time, resources and talents to Cambridge-Isanti Schools.

None of these partnerships happens by accident. They grow from relationships built over time and from people who believe that investing in our students strengthens our entire community.

Our mission calls us, in partnership with our community, to educate, empower and inspire every student, every day. Those first five words matter. We simply could not do this work alone.

So, as we settle into another school year, I want to say thank you. To every organization, business, faith community, volunteer, advisory council member, School Board member and individual who supports our students and schools: you make a difference.

If you are interested in getting involved with Cambridge-Isanti Schools or your family could use support, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinators at 763-689-6199. They can help connect you with opportunities to give back or resources that may be available to help.

You open doors, remove barriers and create possibilities. Most importantly, you remind our students that an entire community is invested in their success. That is something worth celebrating and one of the many reasons I am grateful to be a Bluejacket.