Communications
The District 191 Communications Office provides strategic communications and community engagement planning for the district and is responsible for producing public relations materials including brochures, newsletters, videos, photographs and more.
The Communications Office is also responsible for maintaining the district's website and acts as liaison to Burnsville Community Television.
District News
![Families give District 191 high marks on year-end survey]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1622642557/isd191org/kgebrksmznmkelz9jfmq/DistrictNews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1622642557/isd191org/kgebrksmznmkelz9jfmq/DistrictNews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1622642557/isd191org/kgebrksmznmkelz9jfmq/DistrictNews.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1622642557/isd191org/kgebrksmznmkelz9jfmq/DistrictNews.png","width":834}])
On topics around academics, safety, school culture and engagement, District 191 families gave the district and their children’s schools high praise according to a spring survey.
![Kathy Funston speaks at an event]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750279305/isd191org/zz4kged0fwbaulwijmjy/DSC_7795.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750279305/isd191org/zz4kged0fwbaulwijmjy/DSC_7795.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750279305/isd191org/zz4kged0fwbaulwijmjy/DSC_7795.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750279305/isd191org/zz4kged0fwbaulwijmjy/DSC_7795.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750279305/isd191org/zz4kged0fwbaulwijmjy/DSC_7795.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750279305/isd191org/zz4kged0fwbaulwijmjy/DSC_7795.jpg","width":2200}])
Kathy Funston's role as Director of Strategic Partnerships and Pathways has evolved to include grant writing, which has brought in more than $5.4 million in funding, materials and services. Through partnerships with individuals, businesses, non-profits, government agencies and other organizations, students have the opportunity to experience unique learning in and outside of the schools.
![The Education Pathway at BHS has helped Ashley Palacio have a successful start at Concordia St. Paul]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750175151/isd191org/bcktbyemwsn4duqm3ss0/Ashley_11.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750175151/isd191org/bcktbyemwsn4duqm3ss0/Ashley_11.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750175151/isd191org/bcktbyemwsn4duqm3ss0/Ashley_11.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750175151/isd191org/bcktbyemwsn4duqm3ss0/Ashley_11.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750175151/isd191org/bcktbyemwsn4duqm3ss0/Ashley_11.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750175151/isd191org/bcktbyemwsn4duqm3ss0/Ashley_11.jpg","width":2200}])
Now finishing her sophomore year at Concordia University in St. Paul, the 2023 BHS graduate is already giving back—helping guide the next generation of aspiring educators. Palacio reconnected with her alma mater this year to support students enrolled in the same education courses that once shaped her own journey.
![two women pack food in boxes]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750120002/isd191org/bymaficxhcxsmx1gtpmg/DSC_8714.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750120002/isd191org/bymaficxhcxsmx1gtpmg/DSC_8714.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750120002/isd191org/bymaficxhcxsmx1gtpmg/DSC_8714.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750120002/isd191org/bymaficxhcxsmx1gtpmg/DSC_8714.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750120002/isd191org/bymaficxhcxsmx1gtpmg/DSC_8714.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750120002/isd191org/bymaficxhcxsmx1gtpmg/DSC_8714.jpg","width":2200}])
Through a variety of programming, District 191 is harnessing the power of community to reduce hunger.
Burnsville High School will honor six outstanding graduates when it inducts its Hall of Fame Class of 2025 in October.
![woman reads to a child]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750278412/isd191org/sg2s2ylmvapphwkps2bp/adam-winger-UFG04g43hqs-unsplash003.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750278412/isd191org/sg2s2ylmvapphwkps2bp/adam-winger-UFG04g43hqs-unsplash003.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1750278412/isd191org/sg2s2ylmvapphwkps2bp/adam-winger-UFG04g43hqs-unsplash003.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1750278412/isd191org/sg2s2ylmvapphwkps2bp/adam-winger-UFG04g43hqs-unsplash003.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1750278412/isd191org/sg2s2ylmvapphwkps2bp/adam-winger-UFG04g43hqs-unsplash003.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1750278412/isd191org/sg2s2ylmvapphwkps2bp/adam-winger-UFG04g43hqs-unsplash003.jpg","width":2200}])
Thankfully for students and families of District 191, there are school-based mental health services in every building, making it easy to get the additional support they need without the usual challenges.
![four elementary students at Neill Elementary School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748443116/isd191org/wcy2g3qvqbzl0kprvdvl/IMG_808111.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748443116/isd191org/wcy2g3qvqbzl0kprvdvl/IMG_808111.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748443116/isd191org/wcy2g3qvqbzl0kprvdvl/IMG_808111.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1748443116/isd191org/wcy2g3qvqbzl0kprvdvl/IMG_808111.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1748443116/isd191org/wcy2g3qvqbzl0kprvdvl/IMG_808111.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1748443116/isd191org/wcy2g3qvqbzl0kprvdvl/IMG_808111.jpg","width":2200}])
Designed to highlight every child’s unique identity and talents, All-Star Day celebrations at Edward Neill Elementary School have become much more than just a monthly school assembly. The celebrations — rooted in the idea of creating a supportive school culture through school-wide engagement — not only build community at the school but also foster a sense of belonging in each student.
![Coach Brian Ribnick won a national chess award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1750173901/isd191org/nnttpsjhaqow5ciuwmwn/Ribnickaward.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1750173901/isd191org/nnttpsjhaqow5ciuwmwn/Ribnickaward.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1750173901/isd191org/nnttpsjhaqow5ciuwmwn/Ribnickaward.png","width":720}])
Nicollet Middle School chess coach Brian Ribnick recently received the Andy Lerner Award for Excellence in Chess Education from Chess in the Schools. The award recognizes educators’ impact on the chess community and students.
![brian burthay receives award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748891225/isd191org/hievm8xq7tethehxched/unnamed31.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748891225/isd191org/hievm8xq7tethehxched/unnamed31.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748891225/isd191org/hievm8xq7tethehxched/unnamed31.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748891225/isd191org/hievm8xq7tethehxched/unnamed31.jpg","width":959}])
Brian Burthay, a parent in Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 and co-chair of the district’s American Indian Parent Advisory Committee, was named the Minnesota Indian Education Association (MIEA) Coach of the Year. He was presented with the award at the MIEA conference earlier this spring.
The Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 Board of Education has refinanced about $33.3 million in debt to save taxpayers through reduced debt payments. This refinancing will save approximately $2.9 million over the life of the bonds.