Blog Category
Blog
Read the latest news and information from LEAF.
Common Ground on Funding and Accountability, With the Full Context
August 26, 2026
This article by Laurie Putnam, Ed.D. – Superintendent of St. Cloud Area School District 742, was published in St. Cloud Live. We are reposting it here to give context to why LEAF 742 is a necessary part of our community. With state and federal budgets underfunding District 742, our donors fill those gaps and help bring access and opportunity to 10,000+ s…
Activities Build Future Ready Students
August 3, 2026
This year LEAF is featuring blogs from our Board members and volunteers sharing why they give their time and talents in service to District 742 students. Today’s blog is from Hillary Johnson, a member of our LEAF Board.
When I joined St. Cloud Tech High School as Activities Director a year ago, I knew extracurricular activities were important. But I don’t…
The Ripple Effect of Student Opportunity
July 16, 2026
This year LEAF is featuring blogs from our Board members and volunteers sharing why they give their time and talents in service to District 742 students. Today’s blog is from Becky Bastein, a member of our LEAF Board.
Although I am a transplant to St. Cloud, I am a product of the Minnesota public school system. During those years, I discovered so much abou…
Roll & Read Library Bus – STILL ROLLING!
July 14, 2026
The PAKRAT Roll & Read Bus is on the road! Stop by one of our scheduled locations to explore a great selection of fun summer reads. Check the Roll & Read schedule for dates, times, and a stop near you!
Would you like to support or read more about LEAF’s PAKRAT program and the Roll & Read Bus? Click here.
Building Bridges Between Community Generosity and Student Opportunity
July 1, 2026
By: Shannon Avenson, LEAF Board Member and Executive Director of Community Education & Partnerships
This year, LEAF is featuring insights from our board and volunteers on why we give our time to this organization. For me, the “why” is woven into almost every chapter of my life. I wear a few hats in our community: I am a long-time district administrator…
Seeing the Impact of LEAF Firsthand
June 12, 2026
This year LEAF is featuring blogs from our Board members and volunteers sharing why they give their time and talents in service to District 742 students. Today’s blog is from Justin Skaalerud, a member of our LEAF Board.
I am honored to serve as the Principal of Apollo High School, to have been a teacher and coach, and to be the parent of a three-sport Apo…
Latest News
Activities Build Future Ready Students
August 3, 2026
The Ripple Effect of Student Opportunity
July 16, 2026
Roll & Read Library Bus – STILL ROLLING!
July 14, 2026