District celebrates official opening of Enrollment Center

Anoka-Hennepin Schools’ Enrollment Center staff met with School Board members and district leadership on Monday, Aug. 24 to present and tour the new space, and see firsthand how staff will be able to provide blue-ribbon support and service to families this year and well into the future with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting ceremony. View photos from the event.

Snip, snip, hooray: School Board co-chairs Linda Hoekman and Dr. Michelle Langenfeld did the honors of cutting the ribbon at the celebratory event. Enrollment Center staff and district leaders were also there to celebrate and assist.

The backstory: At the event, Superintendent Greg Cole explained the need for enrollment support, and how the new district Enrollment Center provided opportunities for efficiency.

• The development of the Enrollment Center is the result of Phase 3 budget reductions and realignment, approved by the Anoka-Hennepin School Board at its December 8, 2025 meeting, a decision that completes a multi-year, three-phased process to provide budget stability ahead of the 2026-27 school year.
   
• The School Board invested in a centralized enrollment center, cancelling a lease at the Coon Rapids Family Mall - a savings of $350,000 annually for taxpayers.
   
• The Enrollment Center is centrally located in the Anoka-Hennepin School District at the Educational Service Center (2727 N. Ferry Street in Anoka).

Opening doors: Director of Enrollment and Information Systems, Michelle VanDenTop, shared how the new space is already creating new opportunities for staff to collaborate and partner in providing resources for families.

• An open house event on Wednesday, Aug. 26 enabled the district to provide 150 families with enrollment support, opportunities to try riding a school bus together, and receive backpacks and school supplies.
   
• A second open house event will be held Thursday, Sept. 3 from 3-7 p.m. Families can receive enrollment support at the new Enrollment Center. Walk-in (Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.) and appointments are also available. Read more, call 763-506-1030 or email enrollmentappts@ahschools.us.

Staff at the Enrollment Center are equipped to help families navigate the enrollment process online or in-person. They may also provide translation assistance and support with connecting families to resources and information about school transportation, meals, early childhood and special education services, community education programs, health services and more.