April 5, 2012 -- I am pleased to announce a new principal has been selected for Mounds View High School, pending School Board approval. Effective July 1, Jeff Erickson will succeed Julie Wikelius, who announced last fall that this will be her last year as principal.

Jeff is an accomplished and award-winning high school administrator who was recently named the 2012 Minnesota Assistant Principal of the Year. His education career includes 19 years of service to Minnetonka Public Schools, where he is currently serving his fifth year as an assistant principal at Minnetonka High School. Jeff also has served as a dean, chair of the district's World Languages Program and as a high school Spanish teacher. He has published several articles regarding effective assessment and grading practices that increase student achievement.

After graduating from Irondale High School, Jeff earned an undergraduate degree in secondary education from Gustavus Adolphus College. He also holds education graduate degrees from the University of Saint Thomas and Saint Mary's University. Jeff and his wife, Alana, live in New Hope with their three children, Emilia (8), Evelyn (5) and Charlie (2).

As you may know, our search for a new principal involved a committee of parents, staff and students. Our community clearly expressed an interest in finding a candidate with a clear vision for providing a comprehensive program that will serve the needs of all students. Jeff's experience as an assistant principal in a similar-sized, high-performing school district makes him uniquely qualified to lead Mounds View High School. His educational insights, communication skills and his familiarity with our district distinguished Jeff among other candidates. I know he is committed to maintaining Mounds View's tradition of excellence and to continue the important work necessary to improve achievement for all students.

In the coming months, you will hear from Jeff as he prepares for his new role at Mounds View. In the meantime, please join me in thanking Julie Wikelius for her 16 years of service to Mounds View High School. Julie has played a key role in the tradition of success Mounds View has long experienced, and she leaves the school well-positioned to continue its growth.