Communications
Community Relations staff are responsible for a wide range of communication initiatives that support students, staff and families in Osseo Area Schools. Key department work includes:
- Communications counsel
- Media relations
- Crisis communications
- School news reporting
- Website updates and maintenance
- District social media management
- Video production
- Photography support
- Realtor communications and support
District and School Website Updates
Kay Villella
Executive Director Community Relations
Educational Service Center
VillellaK@District279.org
763-391-7002 x27002
Clay Sawatzke
Coordinator Community Relations & Publications
Educational Service Center
SawatzkeC@District279.org
763-391-7172 x27172
Merissa Morey
Marketing & Outreach Specialist
Educational Service Center
MoreyM@District279.org
763-391-7168 x27168
Tanya Bradehoft
Specialist Communication
Educational Service Center
BradehoftT@District279.org
763-391-7187 x27187
Meghan Kuemmel
Specialist Communication
Educational Service Center
KuemmelM@District279.org
763-391-7086 x27086 ext. 27086
Meg Gutzwiller
Specialist Communication
Educational Service Center
GutzwillerM@District279.org
763-391-7101 x27101
Media inquiries
Journalists who seek information for stories or wish to interview staff should begin by contacting the district's communications team.
News Stories
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Four Osseo Area Schools educators were named candidates for the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.
Four Osseo Area Schools educators were named candidates for the 2025 Minnesota Teacher of the Year award.
Osseo Area Schools' Summer Programs offer a diverse range of engaging academic and enrichment opportunities to spark students’ curiosity, inspire creativity and a love for learning. Visit the district’s Summer Programs website for more information about opportunities for students in early childhood, elementary, middle and high school. Summer employment opportunities are also available. Apply now at district279.org/careers.
As Osseo Area Schools celebrates National School Counseling Week Feb. 3-7, there is even more reason to celebrate district school counselors’ admirable work this year.
Adult Basic Education (ABE) English Language (EL) students are engaging in new learning experiences this school year, thanks to a partnership with the Eastman Nature Center and a grant funded by District 279 Foundation.
Each February, schools and students across the district dedicate time to celebrate, honor and learn about people or events that have impacted Black culture in our country’s history during Black History Month. To kick the month off, students, staff and community members gathered at Park Center Senior High School (PCSH) on Feb. 1 for the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Black History Month Celebration.
Several district schools closed out the month of January with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)-themed events for their students and families.
At Brooklyn Middle STEAM School (BMS), learning continues beyond the school day through enrichment clubs. Three days a week after school, 300 students dive into engaging enrichment activities that expand interests, encourage skill development and foster personal growth and community building.
Osseo Senior High School (OSH) hosted a celebration at halftime of the boys basketball game against Maple Grove Senior High School on Jan. 24 honoring their 2001 and 2012 Minnesota State Championship Boys Basketball Teams. The celebration included special recognition of both teams at halftime, along with the opportunity for fans, alumni and community members to connect with players and coaches from these legendary teams at a local restaurant after the game.
279Connect is a newsletter distributed to ISD 279 parents/caregivers and community members each Tuesday throughout the school year. In it, you'll find interesting school news, school board meeting highlights, important reminders, upcoming dates and more. Think of it as your one-stop shop for staying up to date of all things you need to know about Osseo Area Schools.
If you have any questions about the newsletter or wish to request content for inclusion in the next edition, please contact Meghan Kuemmel.