The Crookston School District is holding final interviews Friday afternoon and evening for three candidates for High School Principal. The candidates will meet with Superintendent Jeremy Olson, district leadership, and Principal Eric Bubna and be interviewed by three committees – one each of students, staff, and community.
MATT TORGERSON
Matt Torgerson is the current Assistant Principal at Crookston High School, a role he began this year after initially being hired as a teacher in Crookston. “This is actually my fourth year in the district,” said Torgerson. “I started as a teacher with the band in the district. A few years ago, I moved into a band/Dean of Students position, and this year, I started the Assistant Principal. I’ve been in Crookston for a handful of years now. I enjoy it here. I’ve had a couple of other experiences in a couple of other schools, but this is where we’re at now, and I’m excited to see where Crookston goes in the future.”
Torgerson said he is interested in being principal because it would allow him to create positive change for more students. “Crazy enough, when I was at a band conference one time, there was a comment made by someone that stuck with me that we don’t have enough people in the arts that move into administration,” said Torgerson. “A couple of weeks later, I started an admin program as something to have. Due to circumstances, that’s the direction I ended up. I’m super happy to be in administration right now. It was hard to leave the classroom, but I do know that I have a little different power in my current position to affect positive change for more students in this office than in my band classroom. That was kind of the switching point for me. To move onto the principalship would be nice because it is my goal to create as much positive change for as many students as possible.”
Torgerson said Crookston was welcoming when his family first moved to town, leaving a lasting impression. “We bought our house, moved in, and literally had a pie delivered to our door by a neighbor,” said Torgerson. “It’s that family-friendly, kind of town I grew up in, so it felt homie right away. As far as the school, we have a lot of great staff and things going on. We have areas we need to improve on, just like everyone else, but we have some very passionate teachers here. To get into the school as a teacher and administrator, there are a lot of good things going on. I know it’s easier to talk about the bad things sometimes, but we have to remember there are great people in this town and school. We’re just going to bring out the greatness.”
NICKI MARTINEZ
Nicki Martinez has worked for several school districts around northwest Minnesota. “I am the Assistant Principal in Laporte, MN, right now,” said Martinez. “I’ve been there for two years. Prior to that, I was a teacher of English in Detroit Lakes for 19 years. I have two grown children. One lives in Minneapolis, and one is going to graduate from UMD (University of Minnesota Duluth) next month and will be moving to Minneapolis.”
Martinez said she was drawn to apply for Crookston because of its location. “I’m sort of a northwestern Minnesota put my stakes in the ground kind of person,” said Martinez. “I graduated from Moorhead State University, which is now Minnesota State University Moorhead. I’ve taught in Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes, now I’m in Laporte, which is a little farther to the east. But I thought it would be nice to settle down somewhere in this area.”
Martinez said her first impressions were that people in Crookston are friendly. “My first interview was more like a conversation, so that was nice,” said Martinez. “I didn’t feel like I was being drilled. I felt like I was just being asked some questions. People were honoring what I had to say, but I was also able to listen to what they had to say. It was a comfortable interview. So far, everyone seems very friendly. My first impression is that it’s a nice quaint little spot to be.”
KENT HENDRICKSON
Kent Hendrickson has more than 20 years of experience as a principal. “I work at Ulen-Hitterdal schools,” said Hendrickson. “I’ve been principal there for 21 years. Prior to that, I taught and coached in Underwood, MN. And I started my career in Hawley as a part-time teacher and coach there. A lot of experience, 30-some years in education, and looking for the opportunity to come up to Crookston to see what you guys are all about up here. Hopefully, if things work out, I’ll become a Pirate, and we’ll go from there.”
Hendrickson said he was drawn to Crookston because of its reputation. “I’ve heard a lot of good things about the school,” said Hendrickson. “A nice community up here. It’s a nice size school, bigger than what I’m at now. Just looking forward to a new challenge and opportunity.”
Hendrickson said he was impressed with Crookston’s facilities and the positive view other districts have of Crookston. “Very nice facilities,” said Hendrickson. “We have very nice facilities where we’re at, but very impressed. I’ve talked to some of the area principals down there in Hawley, Perham, Detroit Lakes, Barnesville area, and nothing but good things to say about what Crookston has to offer and what you guys have going up here. Excited to be up here again. Meet more people; go through the process and see if it’s a good fit for Crookston and myself.”
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