District 196 has selected Mark Aronson as the next Highland Elementary School principal—only the third since Highland opened in 1986. Mr. Aronson has served as the assistant administrator at Highland for the last two years. He succeeds Mr. Chad Ryburn, who has led the school since 2002 and is now moving to Emerald Trail Elementary.
“I have been honored to work at Highland in various capacities over the last decade,” said Mr. Aronson. “What makes Highland truly special is the people. There is a palpable sense of community the moment you walk through the doors, which is a true testament to this great school's students, staff, and families. I look forward to continuing Highland’s record of excellence and maintaining an inclusive, welcoming, high-performing school environment.”
“Mark is highly respected in our district as an educator and leader,” said Superintendent Michael Bolsoni. “Mark volunteered for our learning management system review committee early in his career with District 196. Then, within a few short years, he was leading technology integration at the district level. He has a strong understanding of instruction and achievement, along with his strong commitment to the Highland Elementary community. His interests in math, technology, assessment, and data position him well to lead Highland into the future. ”
Mr. Aronson started his career teaching 5th grade in Kansas City (Missouri) before moving to Minnesota. He joined District 196 as a 5th-grade teacher at Diamond Path Elementary, where he worked for five years. Taking on districtwide roles, his career path has included lead teacher for gifted and talented development, elementary math coach, digital resource teacher, and teaching and learning specialist for technology overseeing the implementation of the Learning and Technology Framework PreK-12. He also served as an interim elementary assistant administrator at Diamond Path Elementary. His passion for technology, social-emotional learning, human well-being, and digital citizenship are grounded in care for people and relationships.
With a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Minnesota, Mr. Aronson earned his master’s degree in elementary education from Rockhurst University (Missouri) before completing his K-12 principal licensure from St. Mary’s University (Minn.).