South metro school briefs

New principal named at William Byrne The Burnsville-Eagan-Savage school board has chosen a new principal for William Byrne STEM Elementary in Burnsville. Lyle Bomsta will start his new job on June 28, after principal Paul McDowall retires.

Bomsta has been an educator for 16 years, with experience in Osseo and California. Currently, he's the technology integrationist and data coach in the St. Louis Park school district.

Drumroll, please ... for Burnsville's drumline Burnsville High School's winter drumline has brought home its second state championship in a row.

The drumline finished first among 18 schools in its class at the Minnesota Percussion Association Championships on March 27 in Rogers.

Plots open at new community garden A community garden will spring up this summer at Meadowview Elementary School in Farmington, and now's the time for would-be gardeners to rent a plot.

The garden will have nine plots measuring 6 by 20 feet available for individuals or community groups. A rental fee of $30 will help cover costs such as water.

Residents can learn more and sign up at an info session at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Community Education conference room at the school, which is located at 6100 195th St. A community work day will be held on April 24.

An inside view of how school boards work The ins and outs of life as a school board member will be revealed to Farmington residents at two classes offered this month.

Farmington Area Community Education is holding free classes to answer questions about the roles and responsibilities of school board members, how the board functions and more. School board "prep school" is intended for would-be elected officials as well as residents who are merely curious.

The class will be offered twice, from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and on April 28 at Community Education, located at Meadowview Elementary School. No registration is necessary.

High schooler gets public health award A junior at Farmington High School was among three residents honored by Dakota County last week for their efforts to promote public health.

Mariah Geiger, who received the Public Health Achievement Award, has been a youth board member of Catalyst, a statewide movement of young people. She also led the county's middle school chapter of "Smoke Free Parks," and helped push for passage of Minnesota's Freedom to Breathe Act of 2007, which limits workplace smoking.

The awards go to district employees or community members who have served local schools in one of these ways: Human Service, Volunteer Service, Civic Leadership, Business Partnerships, Distinguished Service, the Arts and Education.

Nomination forms are available in the main offices of all district buildings. They're due by April 21.

Awards will be presented at the district's staff recognition reception, which will be held at Century Middle School from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 28.

Tickets on sale for wrestling fundraiser Tickets are on sale for a pro wrestling show that will raise money for freshman B-team sports at Lakeville's high schools.

The event will be held at |7:30 p.m. on May 1 in the gym of Lakeville South High School.