The Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association (MESPA) has named Chad Ryburn, principal of Highland Elementary School, one of three finalists from Minnesota for the 2025 National Distinguished Principal award. This prestigious honor, presented in partnership with the National Association for Elementary School Principals (NAESP), recognizes principals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in instruction, student achievement, and school culture.

Ryburn has led Highland Elementary to a National Blue Ribbon Award for Exemplary High Performance. He fosters a culture of innovation, inclusion, and academic excellence by actively engaging parents, staff, and students in decision-making. Under his leadership, Highland’s Site Council has grown to be an active Parent-Teacher Organization, and Highland school leadership teams were restructured to focus on student data and school goals.  

In November, Ryburn was selected as the founding principal of Emerald Trail Elementary, opening in fall 2025. As the leader of the district’s 20th elementary school, Ryburn is concurrently leading Highland Elementary and hiring, scheduling, budgeting, and planning to open the new school.

“Chad Ryburn has more than 30 years of experience as an exemplary elementary educator,” shared Superintendent Michael Bolsoni. “At Highland Elementary, he has developed a positive, student-centered culture. His interest in opening 196’s new elementary school was met with great excitement across our community. He is assembling an outstanding staff who are eager to work with him to create a welcoming school environment focused on student success.”

In May, Ryburn and two other finalists will be interviewed by a panel of principal leaders from across Minnesota. Based on their interviews, applications, and recommendations, one principal will be selected to represent Minnesota as the 2025 National Distinguished Principal.

For more information about the National Distinguished Principal award, visit www.mespa.net/NDP.