Education Commissioner visits SPHS

As part of her effort to visit each school district in Minnesota, Minnesota’s Education Commissioner Dr. Heather Mueller dropped by Saint Peter High School Thursday morning to meet with school officials and tour the building. Dr. Mueller sought input from Saint Peter School officials on various topics, including school funding, staffing and curriculum.

“Visiting St. Peter has been a high priority of mine since being named Commissioner last year,” Commissioner Mueller said. “The school is beautiful, but I was equally impressed with the people – the students, educators, staff and leadership. I came away excited and optimistic about the new school year.” 

After an introductory meeting with the Saint Peter School administration team, SPHS Principal Annette Engeldinger and Saint Peter Superintendent Bill Gronseth accompanied Dr. Mueller on a tour of the SPHS building. During the tour Dr. Mueller was able to observe classes in session in the agri-science area, fine arts area and science wing, as well as tour the Performing Arts Center, greenhouse and other academic areas.

“I love to show off this incredible building and all of the great things our students and teachers are doing,” Principal Annette Engeldinger said. “Dr. Mueller was sincerely excited to get into classrooms and see what was happening. She also took time for a session with the administrative team where we were able to express concerns and ask questions. It was an honor (to have her here).”

About the Commissioner
As Minnesota’s Education Commissioner, Dr. Mueller heads an agency of more than 450 employees, charged with the mission of improving educational achievement for children from pre-K through grade 12, adult education and library services. Dr. Mueller works closely with Governor Tim Walz to promote a wide variety of education policies and initiatives focused on closing the achievement gap, supporting high-quality teaching, using innovative strategies to improve educational outcomes, and ensuring all students graduate from high school well-prepared for college, career and life.

Commissioner Mueller (far right) met up with a former student, Tom Leonhardt, from her teaching days at Mankato West. Leonhardt is a special education para at SPHS.

SPHS Principal Annette Engeldinger (right) and Superintendent Bill Gronseth (back) give Dr. Mueller a tour of the school's greenhouse facility.

The SPHS tour for Dr. Mueller wrapped up with a visit to the school's state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center.