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Leadership
Page 22 Electronic Edition: www.teachingtodaymn.com

Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP),

Principals of the Year 2026

2026 High School Principal of 2026 Middle Level Principal 2026 High School Assistant 2026 Middle Level Assistant
the Year of the Year Principal of the Year Principal of the Year

Rob Reetz Mai Chang Vue David Ruehs Rachel Sandquist
Mounds View High School Anthony Middle School Tri-City United High School Monticello Middle School
Mounds View Public Schools Minneapolis Public Schools Tri-City United Public Schools Monticello School District
Rob Reetz has been named the Min- The Minnesota Association of Second- David Ruehs, Assistant Principal at Tri- Assistant Principal Rachel Sandquist is a
nesota High School Principal of the Year in ary School Principals proudly recognizes Mai City United High School, has been named the transformative leader whose impact is felt by
recognition of his people-first leadership and Chang Vue as the Minnesota Middle Level Minnesota High School Assistant Principal of students, staff, families, and the entire school
transformative impact at Mounds View High Principal of the Year. At Anthony Middle the Year for his student-centered leadership, community. Known as a “true ray of sunshine,”
School. Across students, staff, administra- School, she has built a culture where students commitment to safety, and dedication to build- Rachel leads with empathy, consistency, and
tors, and families, consistent themes define feel safe, valued, and able to be their true ing a culture where every student is known, joy, always placing student well-being “at the
his work: an unwavering commitment to selves. By grounding the community each supported, and challenged to succeed. Through forefront.” She builds strong relationships,
safety and belonging; authentic, trust-cen- day in the belief that the school is “committed innovative programs like Titan Achievement listens deeply, and creates systems that are
tered relationships; meaningful student voice to creating a calm and caring environment,” Academy, strong restorative practices, and a “simple, consistent, and effective,” ensuring
and shared leadership; a deep dedication to she has led with restorative, non-exclusion- deep investment in staff and student leadership, every student feels supported, valued, and
equity in action; and a relentless focus on aca- ary practices that have dramatically reduced David has strengthened systems and elevated capable. Through her commitment to equity,
demic growth and innovation. Guided by his suspensions while strengthening belonging learning across the school community. His growth, and belonging, Rachel has helped cul-
philosophy of being a “human being before and achievement. Through her commitment visible presence, thoughtful decision-making, tivate a culture where students and adults alike
human doing” and grounded in the values to equity, culturally responsive instruction, and unwavering belief in students have made feel “trusted, capable, and proud” to lead. We
of ONE H.E.R.D.—Health and Well-Being, student voice, and innovative IB program- a lasting and meaningful impact on Tri-City are proud to recognize Rachel for the lasting
Engagement, Relationships, and Dignity & ming, Ms. Vue exemplifies compassionate, United High School. difference she makes every day.
Inclusion—Mr. Reetz has cultivated a culture courageous, and student-centered leadership
where students feel supported, empowered, that makes a lasting difference in her school hs.tcu2905.us mms.monticello.k12.mn.us
and challenged to succeed. community.
Courtesy of the Minnesota Association of
moundsview.mvpschools.org anthony.mpschools.org Secondary School Principals

Brooklyn Middle STEAM School’s Kayla Schilling named Minnesota Social Worker of the Year

Osseo Area Schools felt “really honored” to be chosen and recog- has now been on staff at BMS since 2021. said BMS Principal Kim Monette. “She is
Brookl yn nized by her peers, even if public recognition Schilling said she loves how the school setting endless in her desire to ensure that students
Middle STEAM isn’t the impetus behind her work. Schil- often allows a longer timeframe to build rela- and families’ needs are met, are cared for, safe
School’s (BMS) ling was formally recognized at a Minnesota tionships with clients than some other settings and always know that they belong. She is one
social worker, School Social Work Association event in Coon allow for, such as in hospitals. of a kind!”
Kayla Schilling, Rapids May 29. On a typical day, Schilling works with “I truly do this because I love these stu-
has been named Schilling went into social work after a both special education and general educa- dents,” Schilling said. “I want them to know
Minnesota Social related college class piqued her interest in the tion students and said she spends a lot of that they have a person here to support them,
Worker of the Year career path. She double majored in psychol- time helping students work through feelings especially in middle school, which can be a
through the Minne- ogy and social work for her undergraduate and emotions but also on helping to ensure challenging time in a child’s life. You see such
sota School Social degree, then went on to earn a master’s degree students have the resources they need to be a growth from sixth to eighth grade.”
Work Association. in social work. While she originally didn’t successful inside and outside of the classroom.
Schilling was nominated by some of her intend to pursue school social work, an intern- “Kayla’s heart shows in so many ways, www.osseoschools.org
co-workers at BMS for the award and said she ship experience changed her mind, and she she always puts students and families first,”