MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Anoka-Hennepin Opens Centralized Enrollment Center to Serve Families and Reduce Costs

The district says consolidating enrollment services at its Anoka headquarters will save taxpayers approximately $350,000 annually. 

ANOKA, MN (August 29, 2026) Anoka-Hennepin Schools has officially opened a centralized Enrollment Center intended to give families one location for registration assistance, translation, transportation information and connections to student services.

School Board members, district leaders and Enrollment Center employees marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, August 24.

The center is located inside the district’s Educational Service Center at 2727 North Ferry Street in Anoka.

School Board co-chairs Linda Hoekman and Dr. Michelle Langenfeld cut the ribbon during the ceremony.

Consolidation Expected to Save $350,000 Annually

Development of the Enrollment Center was included in the third phase of budget reductions and operational realignment approved by the Anoka-Hennepin School Board on December 8, 2025.

The district canceled its lease at the Coon Rapids Family Mall and moved the enrollment operation into district-owned space at the Educational Service Center.

Anoka-Hennepin estimates that ending the lease will save taxpayers approximately $350,000 each year.

The change illustrates how a budget reduction can involve consolidating property and administrative operations rather than eliminating a service.

Superintendent Greg Cole said centralized enrollment can improve efficiency while maintaining assistance for families entering Minnesota’s largest school district.

Services Available in One Location

Enrollment Center staff can help families complete the student-registration process online or in person.

The center can also connect families with information and assistance involving:

• Translation and language access
• School transportation
• Student meal programs
• Early-childhood services
• Special education
• Community education
• Health services
• Other district programs and resources

Enrollment can require more than submitting a registration form, particularly for families entering a new school system, relocating between communities or navigating language and technology barriers.

A centralized center allows employees from different service areas to coordinate rather than directing families to several offices.

Director of Enrollment and Information Systems Michelle VanDenTop said the space is already creating opportunities for staff members to collaborate and connect families with resources.

First Open House Serves 150 Families

The district held a public open house Wednesday, August 26, serving approximately 150 families.

Visitors received enrollment assistance, learned about district resources and had an opportunity to ride a school bus with their children.

Backpacks and school supplies were also distributed.

The event provided families with a practical introduction to transportation and school routines before the academic year begins.

For young students who have never ridden a bus, seeing and entering one with a parent can reduce uncertainty surrounding the first day of school.

Second Open House Scheduled

A second Enrollment Center open house will be held Thursday, September 3, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Families can receive registration assistance and learn about available programs during the event.

The center also accepts walk-in visitors Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Appointments are available for families who prefer a scheduled meeting.

Families may call 763-506-1030 or email enrollmentappts@ahschools.us.

Serving a Large and Diverse District

Anoka-Hennepin serves communities across the northern Twin Cities, including Anoka, Andover, Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Dayton, Ham Lake, Nowthen, Oak Grove and Ramsey.

The size of the district makes enrollment a substantial year-round operation.

Families may enter the system because of relocation, kindergarten registration, changes in custody, transfers, immigration or movement between housing arrangements.

Some arrive with immediate questions about transportation, meals, special education or language access. Addressing those needs at enrollment can prevent problems from following students into their classrooms.

The centralized center will be judged by whether it preserves that accessibility while delivering the promised savings.

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