About Dakota Area Community School

Dakota Area Community School is an independent, public K-5th grade school chartered in Dakota, Minnesota. Located in the bluff country just seven miles north of La Crescent and seventeen miles south of Winona, DACS offers area families a school committed to small class sizes, a strong core curriculum and innovtive programs that encourage community involvement and lifelong learning.

School Vision, Mission and Priorities

The vision of Dakota Area Community School is to provide quality learning opportunities for area students and their families.

The mission of Dakota Area Community School is to create and sustain a school where students, parents, staff and community are challenged with an innovative and rigorous curriculum, opportunities for meaningful involvement and programs that develop character and strong principles.

The priorities of Dakota Area Community School are:

• Keep class sizes small. Low student to teacher ratio.
• A strong core curriculum in language arts, math, and science based on current best practice in education.
• Enhanced learning opportunities such as physical education, music, art and value-based decision making.
• Develop meaningful ways to connect with families and community with our learning programs.
• Use the natural surroundings of the Mississippi River Valley to learn earth science and environmental studies.
• Hire, retain and train a highly qualified professional staff that supports the mission, vision and priorities of Dakota Area Community School.
• Provide an excellent educational experience for education majors at Winona State University and St. Mary's University.
• Create partnerships with other schools, organizations and businesses to enhance the educational experiences for students, families and staff.
• Develop and implement a financial plan that is focused on fiscal responsibility and long-term growth.
• Seek grants to enhance instruction, technology, facilities and learning resources Dakota Area Community School Provides.

Dakota Area Community School School Governance

Dakota Area Community School, as a public charter school, is overseen by a Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is made up of five members of which a majority is teachers here at DACS. Board members meet twice a month for board meetings and also serve on various committees. Below is a list of our current Board members:

Gordy Nagle - President

Lisa Kent - Treasurer

Brandon Mehling - Secretary

Tina Beckman - Member

Kim Jurgerson - Member

Dakota Area Community School Administrative Staff

Darin Shepardson - Director

Mary Feathergill - Business Manager

Michelle Boelter - Secretary

Lorrie Markey - Food Service / Facilities

Dakota Area Community School Teaching Staff

Preschool - Melanie Gordon

K/1st - Jessica Marish

2nd/3rd - Tina Beckman

4th/5th - Brandon Mehling

Music - Lynn Biddick

Art - Gina Busch

Physical Education - Renee Dillenbeck

Special Education - Lisa Kent

Paraprofessional - Lorrie Metz