Chris Rogers, who served as principal of Eden Prairie’s Oak Point Elementary School for the past two and a half years, has resigned, according to Felicia Thames, assistant superintendent of elementary education for Eden Prairie Schools.
Thames did not elaborate on the reason for the resignation.
Rogers unexpectedly left his role in mid-November. Hernan Moncada, principal of Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion (EHSI), has been serving as interim principal in Rogers’ absence.
In an email to families on Friday, Thames said, ”I want to let you know that Principal Dr. Chris Rogers submitted his resignation, and to maintain stability at Oak Point, Principal Moncada will serve as interim principal for the remainder of the year. He will be closely supported by Associate Principal Andrade Lara and the rest of the admin team.”
Thames praised the Oak Point community’s functionality and cooperation in the wake of Rogers’ abrupt departure a few months ago.
“Over the last few months, I have had the privilege of getting to spend more time with your school community,” she said. “As you’ve worked together to navigate challenges, you have shown resilience, care and compassion.”
She added, “Please know I could not be more impressed and inspired by what is happening in this building. The way you and our staff show up for our students and for each other demonstrates the best of what a school can be, and I look forward to continuing to support this amazing community.”
New principal search at Oak Point – and Eden Lake
Thames said the district will immediately begin searching for a new Oak Point principal and will partner with staff, students, and families to ensure a smooth transition.
As part of that process, she said the district will seek community feedback on the characteristics that would be important in a new principal. More information about the hiring process will be shared in the coming weeks.
Oak Point is not the only Eden Prairie elementary school getting a new principal. Eden Lake will also begin a search and interview process in the coming weeks, as longtime principal Tim Beekmann is set to retire at the end of the school year.
According to Dirk Tedmon, the district’s executive director of marketing and communications, a community interview for the Eden Lake principal position will be held on March 18. More information will be shared with families in the coming weeks.
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