School District 197

School District 197 Welcome to the School District 197 page. We are close-knit community of schools located just minutes south of both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Paul, serving all or parts of the communities of Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Lilydale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Sunfish Lake, and West St. We have five elementary schools (K-4), two middle schools (5-8), and one high school (9-12). In addition, our birth-to-5 Early Learning Program serves families and children during the most critical early developmental years, and our partnership in the Northern

Dakota County TriDistrict Community Education Program encourages, assists, and empowers all people in the pursuit of lifelong learning. Approximately 4,600 students are learning in our schools every day. Our eight schools all focus on moving students forward by putting students first:

• Five Elementary Schools (grades K-4): Garlough Environmental Magnet School, Mendota Elementary School, Moreland Arts & Health Sciences Magnet School, Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School, and Somerset Elementary School

• Two Middle Schools (grades 5-8): Friendly Hills Middle School and Heritage E-STEM Magnet School

• One High School (grades 9-12): Two Rivers High School

School District 197 is proud to celebrate Pride Month!Grounded in our Strategic Framework, we believe people thrive when...
06/10/2026

School District 197 is proud to celebrate Pride Month!

Grounded in our Strategic Framework, we believe people thrive when they feel connected, trusted, and affirmed. Our diversity makes us stronger, and seeking to understand one another strengthens both the individual and the community.

This month and every month, we're committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all, including our 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff, and families.

Let’s give a round of applause to our School District 197 retirees! We extend our warmest wishes to our fellow staff mem...
06/08/2026

Let’s give a round of applause to our School District 197 retirees! We extend our warmest wishes to our fellow staff members who are moving on to new adventures.

Jeff Turner is retiring after nine years as a teacher and behavior specialist at Heritage E-STEM Magnet School.

Jeff values the opportunity to support students by offering a steady, welcoming space where they can talk things through, reset, or take a breather when needed.

He also appreciates the strong sense of community at Heritage—where staff, students, and families came together to support one another, especially during challenging times.

In retirement, Jeff is looking forward to more time with family, the dog park, and plenty of pickleball and golf.

Happy last day of school, School District 197! 🎉These photos felt like the perfect way to close out the year. Across the...
06/04/2026

Happy last day of school, School District 197! 🎉

These photos felt like the perfect way to close out the year. Across the district, students and staff filled sidewalks with encouraging chalk messages to celebrate reaching the finish line.

A special thank you to the staff, parents, and family members who helped make it all possible. Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and fun summer!

Let’s give a round of applause to our School District 197 retirees! We extend our warmest wishes to our fellow staff mem...
06/03/2026

Let’s give a round of applause to our School District 197 retirees! We extend our warmest wishes to our fellow staff members who are moving on to new adventures.

After 28 years as a school nurse and caring for the Pilot K**b STEM community for the last six, school nurse Lynn Baggot is officially trading in her daily commute for campgrounds and family time!

Since joining School District 197 in 2020, Lynn has been a trusted source of care and advocacy for students and families. She says it has been an honor to support students’ health needs and be part of such a caring school community.

Next up for retirement: more travel, more camping adventures with her husband and two dogs, and more visits with her children.

The final days of the school year, in pictures. ☀️
06/02/2026

The final days of the school year, in pictures. ☀️

06/02/2026

This week's School Board meeting recap report (for Monday, June 1, 2026), brought to you by Board Chair Sarah Larsen and Board Director Tim Aune.

For more information about school board meeting agendas and minutes, please visit: isd197.org/district/school-board.

Congratulations to the Two Rivers High School Class of 2026! 🎉 We couldn't be more proud of these driven, resilient, bri...
06/01/2026

Congratulations to the Two Rivers High School Class of 2026! 🎉 We couldn't be more proud of these driven, resilient, bright, talented, kind leaders. You did it, Warriors!

Photos by Studio Mendota Photography

Let’s give a round of applause to our School District 197 retirees! We extend our warmest wishes to our fellow staff mem...
05/30/2026

Let’s give a round of applause to our School District 197 retirees! We extend our warmest wishes to our fellow staff members who are moving on to new adventures.

Throughout her 22-year career in School District 197, Stacie O’Leary has been a strong advocate for student health and wellness.

Stacie began by floating between schools as a nurse before becoming the Health Service Coordinator, her most recent role. One of the experiences that stands out most to her was helping establish a School Health Advisory Committee through an American Academy of Pediatrics grant—work that has led to lasting partnerships with local pediatric and Dakota County public health leaders who share the same passion for student wellness.

What has meant the most to Stacie over the years is helping ensure every school building has a full-time registered nurse to support students and staff.

In retirement, Stacie is looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren!

One of our favorite traditions: On the last Friday of the school year, Two Rivers High School seniors visit their former...
05/29/2026

One of our favorite traditions: On the last Friday of the school year, Two Rivers High School seniors visit their former School District 197 elementary schools—where their academic journey began. Seniors got a tour of their alma mater (so much has changed since they were last there!), connected with former teachers, played on the playground, and paraded through the halls to show our current elementary school students the rewards of hard work and the journey ahead.

Congratulations to Heritage E-Stem Magnet School’s Brianna Havir, who was awarded the 2026 West St. Paul Optimist of the...
05/28/2026

Congratulations to Heritage E-Stem Magnet School’s Brianna Havir, who was awarded the 2026 West St. Paul Optimist of the Year Award!

As Heritage’s magnet coordinator, Brianna helps bring E-STEM learning to life through hands-on projects, experiential learning opportunities, environmental stewardship, and innovative classroom experiences for students across all grade levels. From coordinating field experiences and maintaining school gardens to helping lead the Marine Team and securing more than $100,000 in grant funding for student opportunities, Brianna’s impact is evident throughout the school community. Heritage staff described Brianna as the “magic maker” behind the school’s E-STEM identity and a leader who helps every student feel capable of success.

We appreciate you, Brianna!

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1897 Delaware Avenue
Mendota Heights, MN
55118

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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