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2021-2022 Minnesota School of Excellence Validations

Three Elementary Schools Validated as 2021-2022 Minnesota Schools of Excellence:

  • Byron Primary School, Byron Public School District, Principal Dr. Amanda Durnen

  • Discovery Elementary, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Public Schools, Principal Dr. Mathew Nelson

  • Roosevelt Elementary, Detroit Lakes Public Schools, Principal Trisha Mariotti, and Assistant Principal Karilee Traurig


“Through the Minnesota School of Excellence (SOE) program, grounded in national research on high-performing schools, MESPA has created the premier opportunity in the state for validating excellence and a commitment to continual growth in a school community,” said Jon Millerhagen, MESPA Executive Director. “This school improvement program examines the entire school community through six national standards, ensuring there is a holistic approach to creating a plan for future achievement and celebrating the unique accomplishments of each School of Excellence.”

Tami Staloch-Schultz, chair of the Minnesota School of Excellence Committee, said, “It takes commitment and teamwork to honestly and thoroughly assess areas of strength and at the same time identify a plan for continual growth. The SOE process asks the entire school community – parents, students, staff, administration, and more – to reflect on and celebrate the collaborative work being done in school communities. Schools that receive validation have had important data-driven conversations about what a high-quality, modern learning experience should be for all students and have plans to make that learning experience a reality for many years to come. Honoring the important work of dedicated staff, eager students, and supportive communities is an essential component of becoming a School of Excellence.”

 Congratulations to our 2021-2022 validated
School of Excellence Principals!

Click below to read individual press releases:

Byron Primary School

Byron Public School District
Principal Dr. Amanda Durnen



Discovery Elementary

Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose School District Principal Dr. Mathew Nelson

Roosevelt Elementary

Detroit Lakes Public Schools

Principal Trisha Mariotti, and Assistant Principal Karilee Traurig




Want to become validated as a School of Excellence?

The Minnesota School of Excellence (SOE) program promotes excellence through a rigorous 1 or 2 year-long, self-directed evaluation process that showcases dynamic schools of the 21st century. The schools earn validation by completing a school community self-study, developing a plan to build on evident strengths & address areas needing improvement, and assessing ongoing results from implementing the plan. SOE also enables to principals to earn CEU's. Learn More

Letter of intent due October 28, 2023 Click Here to Complete Letter of Intent


Application (parts 1 & 2) due June 1, 2023

PART 1 APPLICATION 

PART 2 APPLICATION 


MESPA is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization

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Roseville, Minnesota, 55113
952.297.8670
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