Pinewood principal named

Dear Pinewood community,

I am pleased to announce a new principal has been selected for Pinewood Elementary School. Pending School Board action, Lena Christiansen will succeed Andrew Skinner, who was recently named principal of Turtle Lake Elementary School effective July 1.

Lena is an experienced elementary school principal who joins us after serving as principal of Weaver Lake Elementary School in Osseo Area Schools for five years. She previously served as principal at Dayton’s Bluff Achievement Plus Elementary in St. Paul for seven years. Lena also has been an assistant principal as well as a teacher on special assignment for the St. Paul school district. She taught third and fifth grade in St. Paul for 14 years. Lena holds an undergraduate degree in elementary and special education from Luther College, and a graduate degree in curriculum and instruction from St. Catherine’s University. She received her administrator licensure from the University of Minnesota.

Our search for a new principal focused on finding a candidate with a clear vision for Pinewood’s future, and I’m confident we found the best person suited to lead your exceptional school community. Lena is known as a dedicated educational leader who proactively supports students, parents and staff. The search committee described her as a leader with a vision who is focused on ensuring all students realize success. I know she is excited to join our district and will continue to advance the achievement for all students at Pinewood.

Please join me as we give Lena a warm welcome into the Pinewood community.

Sincerely,

Chris Lennox

Superintendent