Royal Oaks Has New Principal, Dr. Susan Risius

Dr. Susan Risius has been named the new principal, according to a release from South Washington County Schools.

In a statement, Risius said she "looks forward to meeting with the Royal Oaks community, and her parent 'Principal Talks' where she can learn about all of the joys, concerns, questions and wishes for Royal Oaks. I also plan to meet with all staff members over the summer. I look forward to hearing about the many great things at Royal Oaks and learn what things we can work together on in the future as we transition building leadership.” 

With 33 years in education under her belt, Risius was most recently with the Burnsville school district and has been an elementary principal for that district for six years, and prior to that for an elementary school in Ames, Iowa, for seven years, according to the release. She also worked as an elementary school teacher, preschool director and music teacher for grades K-8.

Risius’ recent accomplishments include being named the Minnesota Elementary School Principal Association's (MESPA) Division Principal Leadership Award Recipient, Serving as the South Suburban MESPA President, and leading a building named as a recipient of both Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) and MN Reading Corps grants.

Risius holds both a Ph.D. and a master's degree in educational leadership from Iowa State University and bachelor of arts degrees in elementary education and K-12 ,usic education from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa.

Risius is replacing the position vacated by Theresa Blume-Thole, who selected a principal position at Cottage Grove Elementary School.

Trent Hanson, who has worked as the activities director since it opened in 2009, has been named an assistant principal at the school

“It is with great enthusiasm that I accept the position of assistant principal at ERHS,” Hanson said in a statement. “It is my intention to help further develop a dynamic East Ridge culture that ensures a commitment to life-long learning and college and career-ready students.  I am proud to stand as an advocate for excellence in the pillars that define the East Ridge Way. I would like to extend my appreciation to the interview committees, and the East Ridge students, community, and staff for their support. Go Raptors!”

Hanson’s experience also includes teaching, coaching and being an advisor, managing budgets of more than $600,000, serving on district curriculum, strategic planning and partnership committees, according to the release.

He holds his K-12 principal licensure and master's in athletics/activities administration from the University of St. Thomas, a master's in education from St. Mary's University of Minnesota, and a bachelor of arts from University of St. Thomas.

Of the two appointments, Superintendent Mark T. Porter said: "We are pleased to have selected two highly-qualified professionals to the District's Leadership Team. They have proven records of success in a number of their previous endeavors and are pleased that they will be in our district to further expand their professional careers."

Hanson is replacing one of the assistant principal positions at East Ridge High School following the retirement of Dennis Roos.

Both appointments will be on the April 26 school board agenda for approval. Both positions go into effect July 1, 2012.

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