Birchview Elementary Principal a Finalist for Prestigious Educator Award

A principal in the Wayzata School District has been nominated for a prestigious honor.

Ashley Farrington, the principal of Birchview Elementary School in Plymouth, is one of three Minnesota finalists for the National Distinguished Principal Award.

“I’m still processing all the emotions ’cause the spotlight is not something I’m looking for,” said Farrington. “But I am excited to spotlight our school and the good work that we do here.”

The award recognizes elementary and middle school principals who set high standards for instruction, student achievement and character.

Farrington had to be nominated and then go through an application process, which includes a video.

Ashley Farrington has been the principal of Birchview Elementary for the last five years.

Since Farrington became Birchview’s principal five years ago, he rebranded the school’s core mission. All around the building, you’ll see the hashtag: #AtBVYouMatter.

Farrington says the idea is to foster an environment where each student feels valued.

“We want the space to be a welcoming space, and safety is important, connection is important, and belonging is important,” he said. “And so yeah, that’s our core belief, and we try to live that out each day. Are we perfect? No. But I think one of the things I’m most proud of with our staff is a group of people who are committed to getting better for our kids.”

The other finalists for the award are Jeff Radel from Glen Lake Elementary in the Hopkins School District, and Chad Ryburn from Highland Elementary in Apple Valley.

The three finalists will be interviewed by a panel of principals from across Minnesota in May. That panel will then select the winner.

Related: School Spotlight: Birchview Elementary School Turns 50

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