New Associate Principal Named For Salem Hills Elementary School

Salem Hills Elementary School, the home of the Atheneum magnet program and School District 199's most diverse school, finally has a new associate principal.

Tina Willette, a former reading instruction specialist with the St. Paul Public School District, has been appointed to the position, according to a press release issued on Wednesday by School District 199 officials. Willette will replace former principal Jean Vogel, who retired in June after serving for 22 years as a principal in the district.

Willette's background as a reading instruction specialist made her a standout candidate, district spokesperson Johnny Germscheid wrote in the press release. The district plans to roll out a new reading curriculum In the 2011-2012 school year that focuses on improving reading literacy. Doing so, district officials believe, will improve test scores and performance in other subject areas across the district.

“Ms. Willette’s recent success implementing a new reading program in her previous district will benefit Salem Hills’ students and staff,” Superintendent Dr. Deirdre Wells wrote in the press release. “Her commitment to achieving reading proficiency will help prepare students for their transition to middle school.”

According to Willette's online LinkedIn professional profile, she served as a service learning coordinator, a literacy coach, staff development coordinator and classroom teacher, and has roughly 15 years of experience in education. She received a bachelor's degree from the University of North Dakota and a master's in education from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

The district chose Willette from a field of several candidates, the press release said.

Correction: Due to incorrect information given to Inver Grove Heights Patch by School District 199 officials, this article contained an inaccuracy. Jean Vogel worked as a principal at several district facilities during her 22-year tenure in Inver Grove Heights.