Minnetonka Public Schools is pleased to announce it has named Jennifer Smasal as Principal of Excelsior Elementary School. She succeeds Stacy DeCorsey, who announced she will be retiring at the end of June and who will be transitioning to a part-time role to support districtwide efforts. Jennifer Smasal begins her role as Excelsior Elementary Principal on July 1.

Smasal brings more than 20 years of educational leadership experience in all learning levels E-12 to the role of principal. For the past five years, she has served as an assistant high school principal at Minnetonka High School and prior to that at Park Center High School. She spent 10 years in the Osseo Public School system in progressive leadership roles at both the elementary and secondary levels, as a reading specialist, an instructional assistant, a literacy coach and a staff development assessment specialist, including developing and implementing professional development for 17 elementary schools. Smasal began her career as a fifth-grade teacher and went on to spend more than 11 years teaching at the elementary and intermediate levels, including time spent teaching early childhood programming.

“Jennifer Smasal is a transformational leader with a thoughtful, strategic approach to building community and fostering deep learning,” said David Law, Superintendent of Minnetonka Public Schools. “She is earnest and engaged, dedicated to upholding the District’s high standards of world-class, child-centered excellence in teaching and learning while supporting an environment of close relationships with students, families and teachers. I believe she will be an outstanding principal for the Excelsior Elementary community.”

Over her career, Smasal has been responsible for leading and implementing multi-tiered systems of support for students. She has led and supported curricular programming, such as Minnetonka Research, which is an advanced learning program for students in science and the humanities. Additionally, she has expanded learning and extra-curricular opportunities for students, with an extensive background in literacy instruction. She has worked closely alongside the MHS principal and leadership team in helping to support signature programs such as Chinese and Spanish Language Immersion, VANTAGE Advanced Professional Studies and MOMENTUM Design and Skilled Trades. Smasal has trained hundreds of staff and helped many students throughout the years in achieving academic success. Jennifer has a strong history of building a positive, welcoming environment for families, students and staff and establishing strong communication channels with all stakeholders. 

“I am excited to continue my career in the Minnetonka School District as the Principal of Excelsior Elementary,” Smasal said, of her new role, “I am honored to work in such a supportive community that is rooted in traditions and has so many points of pride. I’m enthusiastic about all that we will accomplish together for our students, and I look forward to celebrating our collective success this school year.”

Smasal has presented her leadership efforts at state and national-level conferences, on topics such as executive functioning interventions, creating a culture of respect and belonging, and setting up the first two weeks of school to onboard students for a successful year ahead.

Smasal holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Minnesota State University-Moorhead, a master’s degree in educational leadership from St. Mary’s University, her K-12 reading licensure from St. Mary’s University and her education specialist degree from St. Cloud State University. Smasal resides with her family in Independence, Minnesota.