Three District 623 Elementary Schools Getting New Principals 623 Next Fall

Roseville District 623 Superintendent John Thein on Friday announced a series of administrative appointments for  2013-14, with the changes including new principals for Falcon Heights, Emmet D. Williams and Central Park elementary schools.

Thein, in a statement, said he believes the administrative changes put "right leaders, in the right place, at the right time, with the right skills” and they, working with their fellow staff members, will produce fabulous results for our students and their families."

Here's a rundown on the changes for the 2013-14 school year:

• Beth Behnke,  currently a principal in the St. Paul Schools, will become principal of Falcon Heights Elementary School, replacing Paul Charest, who earlier this spring announced his retirement. 
• Florence Odegard, currntly principal at Central Park Elementary, will be on special assignment at the District Center for Title I Programming, Teacher Evaluation and School Improvement. 
• Stacie Stanley, principal now at Emmet D. Williams, will make a lateral move to Central Park Elementary.
• Brian Koland, currently a District 623 student services supervisor, will become principl at Williams Elementary School.  

In addtion, the Harambee Community School, in Maplewood, will be joining the District 623 school system, Thein said. That school led, by Principal Kathy Griebel, will offer a year-around learning option to District 623 familes,  he said.

Three other Roseville administrative changes for next school year: 

Todd Olson will assume administrative responsibilities at Roseville Area High School. Rena Jepma-Krohn will serve on the the administrative team at Parkview Center School. And Mark Bowser will become an administrator at Roseville Area Middle School.

In a statement to the District 623 staff, Thein praised the retiring Charest.

"Over the past 24 years, Paul has provided superb educational leadership to thousands of students, his fellow staff members and District families. During his tenure, Paul never lost sight of his vision of providing quality teaching and learning for each student, no matter their gifts or challenges."