Farmington administrator selected for principal job at Park High School in Cottage Grove

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A Farmington school administrator is poised to become Park High School’s next principal.

South Washington County School officials announced Wednesday that Kerry Timmerman, a Farmington High School assistant principal, is their pick to lead Park in Cottage Grove.

District 833 officials said Timmerman has a background in the International Baccalaureate program, Advanced Placement classes, the College in the Schools program, teacher hiring and evaluating and other experience. Park has some similar programs, including an International Baccalaureate program and Advanced Placement classes.

Timmerman still needs the approval of the District 833 School Board. That is expected at an Oct. 25 board meeting. Timmerman plans to start at Park the next day, Friday, Oct. 26. He was at Park on Wednesday to greet staff.

Timmerman has a K-12 administrative licensure and master’s degree from St. Mary’s University, and was a fellow at the Fulbright Institute in the U.K. and the St. Paul Public Schools Leadership Institute. He taught and was an administrator at both Harding High School in St. Paul and Farmington High School. He also spent two years as an International Baccalaureate instructor at the American Community School in London.

Previously a high school activities director, Timmerman has coached football, basketball, tennis and soccer.

Park needed a new top administrator following Principal Craig Paul’s resignation last month. Paul had come out of retirement to serve as an interim principal at Park. He was beginning his second year at the school, but said he needed to step down.

District 833 Assistant Superintendent Keith Ryskoski led the principal search, and touted Timmerman’s experience in large metropolitan high schools.

“His unique overseas IB experience will add to the richness of the IB program, while supporting strong academics for all students through Park’s strong traditions.”

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