Reetz will leave EPHS in July to become White Bear Lake principal

Russ Reetz, the associate principal of student activities at Eden Prairie High School, has been appointed as the new principal of White Bear Lake Area High School.

According to an email EPHS Principal Nate Gibbs sent to families on March 22, Reetz will take on his new role effective July 1.

In his email, Gibbs lauded Reetz’s commitment to ensuring every student felt a sense of belonging and support.

“During my time in Eden Prairie, I have seen Mr. Reetz dedicate himself to making sure each student feels a sense of belonging, connection and support at school,” Gibbs wrote. “It has been a pleasure and a true honor to serve alongside him. White Bear Lake is fortunate to gain such an impactful leader.”

The news of Reetz’s departure has prompted Eden Prairie Schools to begin a search for a new associate principal of student activities to join the administrative team at the high school.

Since November 2020, Reetz has served as EPHS’s associate principal of student activities. Before that, he was the activities director at Prior Lake High School. He replaced Mike Grant, who had held the position of EPHS activities director for 19 years and continues to serve as Eden Prairie’s head football coach.

The White Bear Lake Area Schools announced the hiring on Wednesday, noting Reetz will facilitate work being done as the two campuses of the current White Bear Lake Area High School prepare to come together into one unified building in the fall of 2024 when construction at the current WBLAHS – North Campus building is finished.

“I am honored and excited by the opportunity to serve White Bear Lake Area High School and the community as the unified school principal,” said Reetz. “I’ve devoted my career to creating positive school environments focused on relationships, partnership, support, and growth. I am looking forward to working with the staff, students, and families of WBLAHS and continuing the tradition of excellence. Go Bears!”