After another busy summer of construction, projects outlined for the public before and after the 2023 bond referendum are nearly complete. As promised, voter approval of $41.5 million in bond funds has improved security, building integrity and operating efficiency across the district.
After the installation of some unitary playground surfaces in 2024, the rest of the playgrounds and a majority of the projects took place in 2025, highlighted by the construction of new secure entrances at the middle school and high school, and the implementation of automated door locking systems district-wide.
A two-year mechanical overhaul at Buffalo Community Middle School began in 2025 and was completed in the summer of 2026, involving the replacement of obsolete steam heating systems with more efficient hot water systems and adding dehumidification to the lower-level activity spaces. Some re-roofing work also took place at BCMS in 2026.
When Minnesota voters go to the polls on or before Nov. 3 they will have an opportunity to vote on a constitutional amendment to provide additional funding for public schools without raising taxes.
Since the 1850s, the state has set aside proceeds from public lands such as timber sales, mining and land leases in the Permanent School Fund to help fund public schools. The money cannot be used for any other purpose. The amendment would modernize the way the funds are distributed, increasing the annual distribution percentage from about 2.5% to 4.5%, which would result in an increase of about $33 per student. For BHM, that means about $150,000 more annually.
When she raised her hand last spring, Stella Schlak could hardly imagine the adventure that would ensue.
Each year, as a writing exercise, eighth-grade AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) students put together a proposal to be a student speaker at an AVID Summer Institute, which draws thousands of teachers from around the country to learn new skills. Students then have a choice if they want to actually go through the process to apply to be a student speaker.
“I was kind of thinking to myself, ‘I don’t think I’m going to waste my time doing this, because what are the odds? Thousands of kids are doing this. What are the odds that I’m going to actually win?’” said Schlak, now a ninth-grader at Buffalo High School.
Congratulations to Oliver Packard, this year's nominee for the 2027 Star of the North Award presented by the Minnesota Educators of the Gifted and Talented.
The first 'B1 Bison Night' was a memorable evening for everyone involved.
About 130 kindergartners representing the Class of 2039 were welcomed to The Herd by Buffalo High School seniors, the Class of 2027, on Thursday evening, Sept. 3, before the first home football game of the season.
BHM Schools is pleased to announce that Dr. Cynthia Mueller will become the district’s new Director of Teaching and Learning on July 1.
Dr. Mueller, who has a history with BHM Schools and a background in administrative and curricular leadership, will step in for Pam Miller, who is retiring after 22 years in the role.
At present, Dr. Mueller serves as a Principal on Special Assignment and District Literacy Specialist for White Bear Lake Area Schools. She was also an elementary school principal for White Bear Lake Area Schools from 2017-23.
For the past half century, Nancy Anderson has nurtured some of the youngest learners in the Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose area.
This summer, she will retire after 43 years at Hanover Elementary, 50 years with BHM Schools overall, and 51 total years of teaching.
“I think the only remarkable thing about my career is the longevity,” she said. “I don’t think there’s anything else that’s really noteworthy other than I couldn’t figure out how to stop. I’ve always enjoyed it.”
For the first time since 2020, and only the second time in the last 12 years, a trio of local students have earned the rare distinction of qualifying for nationals in the annual History Day competition. Seventh-grader Dorothy Karson and eighth-graders Elsie Johanson and Henry Winger researched the impact of the Columbine school shooting in 1999, and changes to school security as a result. They presented their findings as a theatrical performance and advanced through school and regional competitions to finish in third place out of 28 teams at state.
When it comes to paving the way for students with and without disabilities to learn together in a mutually beneficial manner, Buffalo High School staff members have stood out as leaders in their individual fields over the past few years.
This spring, they combined their efforts to host the first Unified Symposium in Minnesota, and perhaps the nation.
The Friday, April 10, event drew 38 educators from around the state. Several came from Anoka-Hennepin, the state’s largest district, while others hailed from Cloquet, Morris, Mankato and other communities near and far.
