Welcome to the Highland Elementary website. My name is Chad Ryburn and I have been principal of Highland since 2002. My years as principal have been wonderful and I am excited for this school year. I have worked in ISD #196 since 1994. I taught in San Antonio, Texas prior to coming to Minnesota to teach. I began working in our district as a fifth grade teacher at Rosemount Elementary School. Then I moved to Northview Elementary where I was a third and fourth grade teacher before being named Instructional Assistant in 1998.

I grew up in Britt, Iowa, a small town in northern Iowa about three hours south of the Twin Cities. I graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Elementary Education and Spanish. While teaching, I went back to the University of St. Mary’s for a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. In 1999, I graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul with a specialist degree in educational administration. I also have been trained as a Reading Recovery Advocate.

Currently, I live outside of New Prague with my wife, Christi and our six children. I enjoy camping and gardening in my free time. I am very impressed with the Highland staff and community. I firmly believe we offer a quality education for our students and have an exceptional staff. My number one goal as principal is to establish an environment that fosters open two-way communication with the Highland staff, parents and community. I will strive to make our school environment a place where positive, real-life learning experiences occur. I see collaboration with families as an essential tool that will enhance each child’s education.

I encourage parents to become involved in their child’s education and I look forward to seeing you at Highland. I hope you find the environment at Highland to be a welcoming one. If you have questions about our school or school related issues, please call me at (952)423-7595. I look forward to another great year!

Chad Ryburn, Principal