Thanks to Mississippi Valley Montessori School for their support. Located in West St. Paul since 1967, they’re an AMI-accredited Montessori school serving children up to age 6. Email us for more info.
After 20 years at Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School in Eagan, Principal Tom Benson is retiring.
“After nearly 40 years in education, I will retire at the end of this school year,” said Benson in an announcement ISD 197 sent to Pilot Knob families. “I want you to know this was a difficult decision. While I look forward to retirement, it will be hard to say goodbye to such a special school community.”
What’s next: Benson will finish out the school year at Pilot Knob. ISD 197 will follow their standard principal search process with a goal of hiring a new principal by the end of the school year.
Retirement: “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, sailing, enjoying time at the cabin, and training for my 13th Ironman triathlon,” Benson said. “And I’ll be doing plenty of reading!” He noted he would continue to be active in the community, announcing Two Rivers football games and filling in at schools. “You will still see me around!”
History: Benson taught in south central Los Angeles and served one year as a principal in Solana Beach, Calif., before coming to Pilot Knob in 2007. His career has been marked by starting student newspapers and a relentless focus on reading (his retirement announcement pitched rereading Charlotte’s Web—”You’re never too old for a good children’s book!”). And those activities are no joke: A 2007 article about Benson’s hiring lauded his triathlon credentials and in 2017 Benson sailed from Wisconsin to Cuba.
“For the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as principal of Pilot Knob STEM Magnet School,” Benson said. “It has truly been the honor of my career. Our teachers, staff, students, and families are some of the most wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with. School District 197 is a special place. We are fortunate to be a part of a community that values education and supports our schools.”
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(Photo credit: Andy Berndt – Community Blueprint)
