The Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA) recognized Todd Holthaus, principal of Hills-Beaver Creek Elementary, Hills-Beaver Creek School District (ISD #671), 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.

In his principalship, Holthaus follows the philosophy of C. S. Lewis: “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.”

Hotlhaus was nominated by his Southwest MESPA Division colleagues.  Division President Karen Coblentz (principal, St. Peter) stated: “Todd served for two years as the president for the Southwest Division. He has been a great leader for our division, implementing a web site to share division information. Todd also was great with communication and encouraged all members to attend meetings. He always had a positive attitude and worked to make each member feel a part of our division. Todd was willing to share his expertise as his district joined the Southwest Minnesota Flexible Learning initiative. He is passionate about student learning and was a model to all of us to continue to grow professionally. Our division unanimously voted Todd as our Division Leadership Award recipient. He is very deserving.”