ISD 196 Names New Principal for Pinewood Elementary

EAGAN, MN — ISD 196 announced that it has named a new principal for Pinewood Elementary.

Leah Hack, the current principal of Diamond Path Elementary School, will begin her new position July 1, the district said. She will replace Crisfor Town, who is retiring at the end of the year after 21 years of being Pinewood Elementary's principal, according to ISD 196.

“I am excited for the opportunity to be the next principal at Pinewood Community Elementary School,” Hack said. “I look forward to meeting with students, families and staff, and working together to continue to best meet the needs of each student.”

According to the district, Hack began her teaching career at Red Pine Elementary School in 2001. She then taught in other districts before returning to ISD 196 in 2005 and taught at Cedar Park Elementary and Oak Ridge Elementary before coming to Diamond Path Elementary in 2011, the district said.

Hack was then hired as assistant administrator and magnet coordinator at Diamond Path in 2015 and was named principal in 2018, ISD 196 said.

“Diamond Path will always hold a special place in my heart,” Hack said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my leadership journey in another strong and caring school community at Pinewood.”

Hack has a Bachelor's degree in business administration and a Master's degree in special education and principal licensure from Minnesota State University, Mankato, the district said. She has an elementary teaching license from Augsburg University, according to ISD 196.

Read more about Leah Hack on ISD 196's website.