District 196 is proud to announce Mandy Hill has been selected to serve as Principal of Greenleaf Elementary School beginning next school year. Mrs. Hill has served as the assistant administrator at Diamond Path Elementary School since 2020. She will start in her new position on July 1, replacing Sally Soliday, who came out of retirement to serve as interim principal during this school year.

“Mandy is a dynamic leader. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and experience in our district have prepared her well to be a principal,” said Superintendent Michael Bolsoni. “She has actively volunteered for committee assignments, leadership opportunities, and professional development since joining the district over a decade ago, always looking for growth opportunities. She is student-centered and cares deeply about her team and community. She will be an excellent elementary principal.”

“I have been honored to work in District 196 for 12 years,” said Mrs. Hill. “My experiences have allowed me to learn, collaborate, and lead student-centered, inclusive, and culturally responsive initiatives. I enjoy fostering strong relationships and community amongst staff, families, and students. I am incredibly excited to join the Greenleaf community, where staff are dedicated to ensuring each student is honored and respected through meaningful daily learning experiences!”

Mrs. Hill started her career teaching 5th grade at Oak Ridge Elementary School (District 196). (Families might remember when she was featured in a 2019 Teacher Appreciation video.) She has served as a grade-level math lead, on the MCA Science Review Committee, on the magnet school leadership team, on the Oak Ridge Core leadership team, on the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook working group, elementary curriculum review committee, student behavior expectations and response committee, and as a vertical team lead for the District Learning Leaders council. She is trained in conscious discipline, restorative practices, racial harm protocols, indigenous restorative practice circles, emergency response protocols, and nonviolent crisis intervention.

While completing her principal licensure, Hill served in administrative internships at Scott Highlands Middle School and Apple Valley High School. She is an active ambassador for District 196, representing the district at job fairs and employee recruitment and retention activities. As assistant administrator at Diamond Path, Mrs. Hill is an active member of the building MnMTSS team, leads the student success team, supports English language development, and leads school community and family events. She is highly respected for her organization, communication, and relationship-building skills.

Mrs. Hill earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master's in educational leadership from Concordia University of St. Paul before earning an educational leadership specialist degree and K-12 principal licensure from Mankato State University.