2010 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award Recipients
MESPA_Division_Leadership
BACK ROW (L-R): Mark French, Kraig Konietzko, Steven Geis, Joe Thimm, Louis Rutten. FRONT ROW (L-R): Julie Nielsen, C. Bennice Young, Jan Anderson, Joyce Dammer, Mary Hanson.
MESPA members selected 12 of their peers to receive the 2010 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award. This is an annual recognition with which principals honor their peers. Principals are responsible for a school’s instructional, school culture, and resource leadership. The award honors principals whose exemplary leadership and sustained efforts have made noteworthy contributions to the operation of effective school learning programs --  improving education, their communities, and their profession.

“Great principals lead great schools. These men and women are leaders in our profession and truly represent the very best in Minnesota public schools. As leaders, we focus on the potential and possibilities to ignite hope within our schools,” said P. Fred Storti, MESPA executive director.  The awards were presented on February 4, 2010, at the association’s 55th Institute (annual statewide convention).

Jan Anderson, Northern Division
J.A. Hughes Elementary School
Red Lake Falls School District

Patrick Bryan, St. Paul Division
Jackson Magnet School
St. Paul School District

Joyce B. Dammer, Southeast Division
Churchill/Hoover Elementary Schools
Rochester School District

Mark French, North Suburban Division
Rice Lake Elementary School
Osseo School District

Dr. Steven Geis, South Suburban Division
North Trail Elementary School
Farmington School District

Mary Hanson, Southwest Division
Madelia Elementary School
Madelia School District

Kraig Konietzko, Northeast Division
Moose Lake Elementary School
Moose Lake School District

Joan Maland, West Suburban Division
Indian Mounds Elementary School
Bloomington School District

Julie Nielsen, East Suburban Division
Middleton Elementary School
South Washington County School District

Louis Rutten, Western Division
Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary School
Wadena-Deer Creek School District

Joe Thimm, Central Division
Taylors Falls Elementary School
Chisago Lakes School District

C. Bennice Young, Minneapolis Division
Elizabeth Hall International Elementary School
Minneapolis School District




Mission: The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association is dedicated to promoting and improving education for children and youth, strengthening the role as educational leader for elementary and middle level principals, and collaborating with partners in education to assist in achieving these goals.

Leading schools toward excellence through the MESPA vision to be the premiere resource for preparing today's principals for tomorrow and a strong leading voice for public education.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association
1667 North Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
651.999.7310     MN toll free 800.642.6807    
Fax: 651.999.7311     E-mail: mespa@mespa.net