Principal Gibbs set to depart EP High School

Nate Gibbs, the principal of Eden Prairie High School (EPHS), has announced that he will leave EPHS and the district after this school year. His last day of employment will be June 30.

Gibbs’ departure after two years in the role will make his replacement the school’s fourth principal in just seven years.

Gibbs became principal in 2022 after Robb Virgin, who took on the role in 2018, moved to a different role in the district. Virgin had succeeded longtime principal Conn McCartan, who retired in 2018 after 14 years in the job.

In an email to families sent on Thursday, Feb. 22, Gibbs said, “I am deeply grateful to have supported your students over the past two years as they pursued their passions here at EPHS. 
 
“As my time here at EPHS comes to a close, I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the areas of service, learning, and leadership development. That will start with investing time into my young family and additional scholarly pursuits at the University of Minnesota.

Advertisement

“I have learned much during my time here and feel I am a better person because of this school community. Thank you,” he said.
 
Gibbs announced that the district’s leadership team will start the search for a new EPHS principal immediately. They plan to involve families in the process by asking for their input on the qualities they wish to see in the next principal.

In a separate email to students, Gibbs said, “Thank you for introducing me to Celsius and .5s, thank you for the laughter, thank you for the lessons learned, and thank you for making me a part of your community.

“I have been touched by your resilience, your resounding empathy, respect for differences, and your character. I am a better person because of this school community. I look forward to finishing this school year strong with you.”