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MCC High School Principal Jake Scandrett has been named the Southwest Division High School Principal of the Year by the Southwest Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (SWMASSP).
The organization, a regional division of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, includes more than 100 principals and assistant principals from middle and high schools across southwest Minnesota. Scandrett, who has served as MCC’s high school principal for 10 years, was honored by the recognition.
“I feel very privileged to receive the honor and I feel like there’s a lot of other deserving principals out there,” he said.
Candidates for the recognition are nominated by peers, with input from superintendents used to help with the selection process. Awards are presented to administrative professionals at the assistant principal, middle school and high school levels. Division winners are then considered for the state principal of the year award.
Scandrett credited much of his success to the colleagues and mentors he has worked with throughout his career.
“I’ve learned and grown as an administrator by observing and working with other administrators,” he said. “You’re really standing on the shoulders of those who came before you.
I have a great mentor in Mr. I was really excited about sharing my love of the outdoors with kids,” said Scandrett.
He began his teaching career as a high school biology teacher in Tracy. After three years, he pursued administrative credentials, earning an educational specialist degree and principal licensure from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He later served as an assistant principal in Moorhead, Minnesota, first at the elementary level before transitioning into the middle school assistant principal role.
“After five years in the classroom, things were going well and I had an itch for more to see how I could impact systems and opportunities for students,” said Scandrett who earned his superintendent licensure from the University of Minnesota, Moorhead. “I wanted to make a difference at a larger scale.”
As Scandrett searched for a head principal position closer to home, the MCC position became available.
“I had met Mr. Meyer at the principal conference that year and I felt like MCC would be a great opportunity,” Scandrett said. “MCC had a great reputation.”
For Scandrett, the most rewarding part of his role has been building relationships with staff and students while creating meaningful opportunities through multiple programs and partnerships.
During his tenure, he helped expand student opportunities through new hands-on offerings including engineering and medical careers courses, the GroShed, a CEO program with neighboring districts and a criminal justice class featuring local law enforcement speakers.
Scandrett is especially proud of students and staff during graduation and the American Education Celebration.
“Seeing all the students having come through MCC and achieve that level where they’re ready to move on and take that next step makes me proud,” he said. “We also get to recognize staff and students for academics and achievements.”
Scandrett appreciates and values the opportunity to hire and work alongside strong teachers.
“You only get to where you want by having good people behind you, supporting you,” said Scandrett. “I have been very supported in this district by our administration, staff and community. I am grateful for that.”
In his role, he has come to appreciate the importance of treating others with respect and using time wisely, especially as unexpected situations arise and demand attention.
“The golden rule applies to all walks of life. It matters how you treat people,” said Scandrett.
After a decade as principal, Scandrett will be stepping into a new role this fall, teaching fifth- and sixth-grade science at West Elementary.
“After 10 years, I felt ready for a change,” he said. “I’m excited to get back to my ‘why’ in education. My goal is to build quality relationships with students and help them build their interest in the natural world and science.”
He plans to maintain his administrative credentials but said he is focused on the transition back to the classroom for now.
“It’s been 10 very good years at MCC,” said Scandrett. “I have been honored to serve with great leaders, an amazing school board, a wonderful community and teachers that do a phenomenal job.”
Scandrett and his wife, Erin, have four daughters, Lila, Annie, Cassie and Cora, who all attend MCC.
