EP Schools’ Thames, Virgin to share new dual associate superintendent role

Big changes at the top of Eden Prairie Schools will see Felicia Thames, the principal of Central Middle School (CMS), and Robb Virgin, executive director of learning and innovation, leave their current positions to share a newly conceived joint associate superintendent role.

Instead of having one associate superintendent, EP Schools will now have two: the assistant superintendent of elementary education (Thames) and an assistant superintendent of secondary education (Virgin). Both will also support teams within the district’s Learning and Innovation department.

Virgin will assume his new role effective on Monday, April 8.

Meanwhile, Thames will continue as CMS principal until July 1, and her new role will remain vacant until then, according to Dirk Tedmon, EP Schools’ executive director of marketing and communications. Thames has been CMS principal for less than two years, having started the role in 2022.

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In an email sent to families on Monday, April 1, to notify them about the imminent restructuring, EP Schools Superintendent Josh Swanson said, “We will immediately begin a search for a new Central Middle School principal and partner with Principal Thames, Dr. Virgin, and the middle school leadership team to ensure a strong transition. As part of that process, we welcome your feedback on the characteristics that would be important in a new CMS principal.”

A new dual role

The changes follow the recent news that current Associate Superintendent Carlondrea Hines will depart on Friday, April 5, to become the superintendent of St. Louis Park Public Schools.

Swanson said, “With this transition, there is a natural opening to rethink how we organize our efforts at the central office in alignment with our mission, core values, and strategic plan.”

He added, “This feels like the right time for this change as we near the completion of implementing the first year of our new strategic plan, begin work on an updated 10-year vision for students’ experiences, and continue defining all aspects of our Inspired Journey.”

As the assistant superintendent of secondary education, Virgin will oversee support for CMS, EPHS, EP Online, and TASSEL Transition programming. 

Now entering his seventh year with EP Schools, Virgin has “brought stability and clarity to academic programming, implemented an ambitious Pathways program, organized our support services to schools and students, and much more,” Swanson said. “I’m excited about the vision and passion he brings to this new role.” Virgin also served as EPHS principal from 2018 to 2022.

As the assistant superintendent of elementary education, Thames will oversee support for the district’s six elementary schools and partner closely with Community Education on Little Eagles programming. 

In her nearly 20 years with EP Schools, Thames has been an elementary teacher, administrative dean, associate principal, and elementary principal, in addition to her current role as CMS principal.

Swanson said that Thames “has consistently prioritized students and their learning experience. She cares for each of her staff and families, and strengthens our school communities while shaping our district’s strategic direction as an original member of our Core Planning team. I’m thrilled to bring her skillset to the district level in support of our district mission.”

Swanson emphasized that district administration would work to minimize any negative impacts of the restructuring.

“Even as I look forward to the positive impact of these changes long term, I and my leadership team will provide additional support to manage some of the disruptions they cause in the near future — particularly for CMS,” he said. “Our district administrative team is a group of hands-on leaders ready to help things go as smoothly as possible.”

Community members are invited to fill out a feedback form about characteristics they would like to see in the next CMS principal.