Jaysen Anderson named next principal for Eden Prairie High School

Jaysen Anderson has been selected as the next principal of Eden Prairie High School (EPHS), with a start date of July 1, Eden Prairie Schools has announced.

Anderson has served as the principal of Bloomington Jefferson High School for the past eight years and has held various roles over his 20-year career in education, including teaching and administrative roles. He will replace outgoing principal Nate Gibbs starting with the 2024-25 school year.

In an email sent to families on April 22, EP Schools Superintendent Josh Swanson said, “We are fortunate to have such an experienced, highly respected leader joining our team whose skills and experience have earned the admiration of colleagues across the region, and we are confident he is the right person to lead EPHS forward as we provide an Inspired Journey for each learner.”
 
Anderson’s appointment followed an extensive interview process that included meetings with panels of high school students, faculty leaders, and school and district leadership. It also included a community-wide forum in which three finalists, including Anderson, fielded questions, allowing community members to gauge their potential as principal.

Swanson said that feedback about Anderson from interviews and the community forum was extremely positive.

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“Each group was impressed by Dr. Anderson’s commitment to creating a culture of high academic and behavioral standards, abundant opportunities for students to thrive, and deep Eagle Pride,” Swanson said. “He has a proven track record of building school cultures where both students and staff have a sense of belonging and are held to high standards with high support.”

Swanson said he was confident that Anderson would be an excellent fit for the role. “His commitment to our district’s mission of inspiring each student every day came through at each step of the process, and community feedback highlighted his experience, humor and passion,” Swanson said.
 
In addition to his current role as principal of Bloomington Jefferson High School for the past eight years, Anderson has also served as assistant principal at St. Paul’s North High School and dean of students at Maplewood’s John Glenn Middle School. He also taught middle and high school social studies for eight years in Brooklyn Center Community Schools.

Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, a master’s of educational leadership from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, and a doctorate of educational leadership from Bethel University. 
 
Swanson said Anderson’s experience and track record speak highly for his potential to successfully lead the EPHS community.

“Personally, I have seen Dr. Anderson’s commitment and care for students, staff, and families shine through again and again in his stories and approach to education,” Swanson said. “I am excited to have him join Eagle Nation to lead and work alongside each of us.”
 
In Swanson’s email, Anderson shared a message for the EPHS community. “I could not be more excited to step into the role of principal of Eden Prairie High School and join such an amazing and engaged community,” he said. “I cannot wait to connect with every student, family, and staff member to reflect on our collective vision of what it means to be an Eden Prairie Eagle.”

He added, “Together we will achieve great things, and I am humbled to have the privilege to be your champion in the classroom, on the stage, on the field, and more. Together, we will ensure that Eden Prairie High School will be a place where every student has a place to shine! Go Eagles!”