Heather Anderson, who has been the elementary principal in Ivanhoe the past four years, is returning to Minneota where she went to school and taught for several years, to be the high school principal.

Anderson returning to become new principal

A familiar face is returning to Minneota High School to become the next principal.
Heather Anderson, who was a teacher in Minneota for several years before becoming the elementary principal in Ivanhoe four years ago, was recently hired to be the high school principal, replacing Jeremy Frie who accepted a superintendent position with the Dover-Eyota School District.
"After some discussions with my family and prayers, I decided I wanted the opportunity to lead the school district that I love so much," explained the personable Anderson when asked what prompted her decision to apply for the principal position here.
Anderson was born and raised in Minneota. She went to kindergarten at the public school, attended first through eighth grade at St. Edward's, and then finished high school at the public school here.
She went on to Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall and received all her degrees from there, including her Bachelor's degree in Communications Arts/Literature Secondary Education and her Master's degree in Education. She also has her K-12 Reading License and Specialist Degree in Educational Administration Leadership.
Aside from completing her administrative position at Ivanhoe, she also is an adjunct professor at SMSU where she teaches in the Educational Administration Leadership program on weekends.
Anderson's first teaching position out of college was at Redwood Valley Middle School in Redwood Falls, where she taught eighth grade reading and English.
She was first interviewed on Monday, May 2 for the position of high school principal here.
"There were a few parts to the interview," she said. "I went on a tour of Minneota with Tom Skorczewski and Dawn Van Keulen. Staff members who hold various positions throughout the school then interviewed me."
After that, Anderson was interviewed by the school board and more staff members.
That same evening, Anderson got a phone call from superintendent Dan Deitte, who gave her the news of her approval as the next principal.
"I was sitting with my daughter at the time and we were discussing what next year would be like when my phone rang," Anderson recalls. "Our eyes got big and we both smiled. She started shouting at me to answer my phone."
Anderson won't have as far to go to work now as she did as principal in Ivanhoe since she just lives down the street from the school with her husband, Jerry, and their three children. Jaelin, 15; Dax, 10; and Rex, 4.
"My kids attend Minneota, so I will get to see them in school each day," said Anderson. "My sons are in elementary school, but my daughter is in high school. They are excited to have me at their school."
Even though she is excited for her next journey, Anderson will miss the four years she spent in Ivanhoe.
"I will miss the staff and students the most," she said. "At Lincoln Elementary, we are a small school where we feel like family. We know everyone's birthday and we celebrate them and their accomplishments."

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