Sanford Nelson, 2010 National Distinguished Principal. (To see a slideshow of photos taken by Lifetouch during the NDP recognition ceremonies in Washington, D.C., October 14-15, 2010, scroll down.)

Sanford Nelson, principal of Rossman Elementary School in the Detroit Lakes School District  (Minnesota ISD #0022), and a member of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA), is Minnesota’s 2010 National Distinguished Principal (NDP).  This marks the 27^th year the U.S. Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) have presented the prestigious award, which has corporate sponsorship from VALIC.

“At the helm of every successful school is a successful principal,” according to Gail Connelly, NAESP executive director. “Our National Distinguished Principals program provides us with an opportunity to recognize the outstanding leadership of these principals and their commitment to creating successful learning communities. Because of them, students thrive academically, teachers grow professionally, and communities are strengthened.”

“The opportunity to work as an elementary principal over the past 20 years has been my great privilege and honor, “ said Nelson.  “During this time, I have been able to learn from many outstanding colleagues and use their leadership expertise to enhance my own knowledge and skills needed to be a quality principal. These attributes have allowed me to remain effective in my job and to move my school forward in achieving our mission and goals, but most importantly to create an environment that recognizes the best in all children and the adults who support them.”

“MESPA is honored to be represented by Sandy Nelson,” said P. Fred Storti, MESPA executive director. “As instructional leaders, we focus on the potential and possibilities to ignite hope within our schools. Sandy represented MESPA on the State Board of School Administrators for the past eight years. He was involved in writing new administrative licensing rules, serving as vice chairman for four years, serving as the Ethics Committee chairman for eight years, and serving as lead member of the Program Review Committee. These responsibilities allowed him to play a major role in ensuring that Minnesota provides quality preparation programs for our school administrators.”

 “I have known Sandy Nelson for 16 years, and he is the one I go to for advice and direction,” said Jerry Hanson, principal at Roosevelt Elementary in Detroit Lakes. “Sandy cares deeply about each and every child is his school and in the district. He is diligent in making sure teachers understand curriculum and assessments and how they can use them to increase academic achievement. He sets a standard that the rest of us aim to meet.”

“In my tenure with the Detroit Lakes School District, it is easy to see why Rossman Elementary is a high-achieving school,” said Doug Froke, Superintendent, Detroit Lakes School District. “Mr. Nelson has promoted excellence using collaborative efforts to implement high standards for the children of Detroit Lakes. Mr. Nelson realizes the importance of data and learner driven professional development as keys toward making the school successful He has created a culture within the building where teachers are encouraged to take risks implementing their curricula. For example, each grade level in the building is ripe with thematic approaches integrated within each of the curricular areas. That takes courage for the teacher as well as the building administrator in facilitating these instructional changes.”

Nelson feels that the three most significant accomplishments of his career in the principalship are: providing leadership as his staff sought improvement, serving in district-wide administrative assignments, appreciating the value of hiring and supporting quality staff.

“At four different times and locations I have served in the leadership position, while the staff, students and families went through the study and growth process necessary for them to meet the standards that qualified these schools for recognition as a Minnesota Elementary School of Excellence, National Blue Ribbon School, and Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation “Spotlight School.” Involvement with the changes and improvements that transpired in these schools, and

Sandy Nelson ringing the bell of education, along with all 2010 National Distinguished Principals -- at an October 2010 celebration in Washington, D.C.

being part of the positive impact it had on our entire school community was a highlight,” said Nelson.

“District-wide administrative assignments have afforded me the opportunity to affect several positive changes for elementary students in Detroit Lakes at all levels of the learning continuum,” Nelson continued. “As District Title I Director I encouraged our staff to develop innovative teaching methods to meet the needs of at-risk learners.  New initiatives that have taken place because of those efforts are Project EASE, all-day/every-day kindergarten district-wide, Reading Recovery, Balanced Reading Instruction, Guided Reading and data-driven decision making. Currently I am involved in the effort to establish the Response to Intervention model and develop comprehensive full day preschool programming for children in our school district.”

“Being a teacher for twelve years and working with quality educators as a principal has helped me to appreciate the value of hiring and supporting quality staff,” Nelson concluded. “I feel that my most important role as a school leader has been to do what it takes to enhance the abilities of educators in my school by allowing them to build an outstanding learning environment that is child centered.”

 Nelson’s professional activities and awards include: Minnesota NDP Finalist, 2009; MN State Board of School Administrators, vice board chair, 2005-09, and Ethics Committee chair, 2001-09; Principal of school (Rossman Elementary) recognized as first Groundwater Guardian Elementary in the nation, 2002; Principal of schools validated as MN Schools of Excellence (Washington Elementary in 1997, Onamia Elementary in 1990); Recipient MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award, 2001; Recipient Title I Exemplary District Service Award, 1998; National Association of Elementary School Principals member for 21 years; Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association member for 21 years; MESPA Western Division officer serving as president (1995-96), president-elect (1994-95), treasurer (1991-94); MESPA Institute (statewide convention)

Sandy Nelson (l) with his wife Kris, accepting National Distinguished Principal honors in Washington, D.C.

co-chair, 1990.

A short list of Nelson’s community contributions include: starting a “Blessings in a Backpack” program at Rossman Elementary; Lund Lutheran Church, council president and vice president, 2000-2004; Lakes Curling Club member, 1989-present; Detroit Lakes United Way Advisory Board, 2004-2005; Lakes Crisis Center Board of Directors, 1990-2000; Rotary International, 1989-2001.

Nelson has been a leader in the Minnesota education community for 21 years. He has been the principal at Rossman Elementary in Detroit Lakes since 1999. Before that he was the principal at: Callaway Elementary in Callaway from 1997-1999; Washington Elementary in Detroit Lakes from 1990-1997; and Onamia Elementary in Onamia from 1988-1990. He received his Specialist Type D Certificate of elementary and secondary school administration from Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO; as well as his Master of Science in curriculum and instruction from St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN; and his Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.

The other MESPA finalists for this honor were Nancy Kluck, principal at South Elementary Learning Center in St. Peter, and Jayne Ropella, principal at Eastern Heights Elementary in St. Paul. “All three NDP finalists are outstanding examples of elementary school principals in Minnesota. They are held in high regard and recognized for their professional strength, and leadership abilities by their communities and peers,” said Storti.

The NDP program was established in 1984 to honor exemplary elementary and middle school principals who set the pace, character, and quality of education children receive during their early school years. The program highlights the fundamental importance of the school principal in achieving educational excellence for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students and reinforces their continued leadership in helping children develop a lifelong love of learning. One NDP principal is chosen annually from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Image Gallery: NDP Recognition Ceremonies in Washington, D.C.
October 14-15, 2010: photos taken by Lifetouch
See all 11 images.

Image Gallery: 2011 MESPA Institute Awards Banquet
February 10, 2011