Support Girls High School Flag Support Girls High School Flag Football in ISD 728!

Recent signers:
Amanda Gregory and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Girls flag football is already happening in our community—and it’s growing fast.

With support from the Minnesota Vikings, we’ve launched a league in Rogers, and nearly 70 high school girls have already registered to play. Just down the road, Elk River has successfully run a program for the past two years.

The interest is here. The athletes are here.

But because girls flag football is not yet officially sanctioned as a high school sport, these students don’t receive the same support, recognition, or resources as other school activities.

That’s what we’re working to change.

We are pursuing MSHSL Emerging Status, which requires at least 20 schools across Minnesota to commit to offering the sport. ISD 728 has the opportunity to be a leader in bringing equitable opportunities to female athletes.

This petition shows that our community believes girls deserve the same chance to compete, represent their school, and be supported.

👉 Sign and share to support girls high school flag football in ISD 728.

We encourage other districts across Minnesota to start similar efforts and join this growing movement.

Let’s give these athletes the recognition and opportunity they’ve already earned. 💪🏈

avatar of the starter
Tina LonskyPetition Starter
Media inquiries

327

Recent signers:
Amanda Gregory and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Girls flag football is already happening in our community—and it’s growing fast.

With support from the Minnesota Vikings, we’ve launched a league in Rogers, and nearly 70 high school girls have already registered to play. Just down the road, Elk River has successfully run a program for the past two years.

The interest is here. The athletes are here.

But because girls flag football is not yet officially sanctioned as a high school sport, these students don’t receive the same support, recognition, or resources as other school activities.

That’s what we’re working to change.

We are pursuing MSHSL Emerging Status, which requires at least 20 schools across Minnesota to commit to offering the sport. ISD 728 has the opportunity to be a leader in bringing equitable opportunities to female athletes.

This petition shows that our community believes girls deserve the same chance to compete, represent their school, and be supported.

👉 Sign and share to support girls high school flag football in ISD 728.

We encourage other districts across Minnesota to start similar efforts and join this growing movement.

Let’s give these athletes the recognition and opportunity they’ve already earned. 💪🏈

avatar of the starter
Tina LonskyPetition Starter
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Elk River School Board (ISD 728)
2 Members
2 Responded
Mindy Freiberg
Mindy Freiberg
Elk River School Board (ISD 728) - District 1
“Hello, Thank you for putting this petition together and for advocating for more opportunities for girls in athletics!!! I support this effort and the goal of expanding participation for our female student athletes! I also want to share a little context on how this process works. For a sport to be recognized by the Minnesota State High School League, there are specific steps that need to happen first. This includes demonstrating sustained participation and interest across multiple schools, not just within one district. In most cases, programs need to be established and running for at least a couple of seasons before the League will even consider official recognition. From what I understand, Elk River is entering its second year, which is exactly the kind of progress that helps build that case. There are additional factors that are reviewed as well, including the number of participating schools statewide, scheduling, staffing, facilities, and long term sustainability. I share all of this not to discourage the effort, but to be transparent about what it takes to get from where we are today to full Minnesota State High School League recognition. I do support this, and I think continued growth and participation will be key to getting there. Thank you again for advocating for our students. Mindy Freiberg”
Mike Nordos
Mike Nordos
Elk River School Board (ISD 728) - At Large
“Hello, I appreciate the advocacy around expanding opportunities for girls in athletics. Providing greater opportunities for our female students to participate in activities is something I strongly support. At the same time, adding a new sport involves a number of important considerations, including sustained student interest and participation levels, available facilities, staffing, scheduling, other sports seeking official MSHSL designation, and overall budget impact. These decisions require a thoughtful and thorough review to ensure long-term sustainability. I am currently in discussions with district administration to better understand the level of interest and what would be required to support a program like this in ISD 728. Thank you for sharing the petition and helping elevate this topic for consideration. Mike”

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Petition created on March 27, 2026