The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) recognized Joe Wacker, principal of Scenic Heights Elementary, Minnetonka School District (ISD #276), with the 2011 MESPA Division Leadership Achievement Award. 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. He will be recognized by colleagues statewide on February 10, 2011 at the MESPA Awards Banquet – held at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel during the annual MESPA Institute, the statewide convention of Minnesota’s elementary and middle level principals.

Wacker was nominated by the entire West Suburban Division Leadership, with his nomination put forth by Division President Joan Maland (principal, Bloomington) who stated: “Joe has been instrumental in leading Minnesota elementary principals by providing strong guidance as statewide chair of the Elementary Principals Action Committee (EPAC) – the political action arm of MESPA. Joe demonstrates his leadership through increasing the EPAC contributions by MESPA members, thus allowing the organization to impact political decisions for the benefit of elementary principals.”