New interim principal to lead Afton-Lakeland Elementary School

Stillwater Public Schools is pleased to announce that Christopher Rogers has been hired as the interim principal at Afton-Lakeland Elementary. 

“Chris exemplifies all we have hoped for in an interim principal for Afton-Lakeland, said Malinda Lansfeldt, interim superintendent. “He is restorative, adaptive, student-centered and supportive. We are fortunate to have a dynamic and driven leader who will continue the amazing work at Afton-Lakeland while building relationships with the entire community.”

Rogers has years of experience with restorative practices and culturally relevant teaching, and a strong commitment to ensuring educational equity. He has a background in Special Education where he focused on providing limitless opportunities to students with Emotional Behavior Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Prior to joining Stillwater, Chris served as a Level IV Special Education teacher at Roosevelt Education Center in the St. Cloud Area Schools, as a Special Education teacher at Crest View Elementary in the Osseo Area Schools, and as an assistant principal at Mankato East High Schools in the Mankato Area Public Schools. Prior to working in education, he served as a Treatment Facility Manager, where he provided teenagers with coping mechanisms to tackle their life's stressors, to replace the undesired coping strategy, and instill a sense of hope to ensure success in all aspects of life.

Rogers, is a doctoral candidate completing his Ed.D with St. Cloud State University. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English Studies from St. Cloud State University, a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, and has his principal and superintendent licensure from St. Cloud State University as well.

“I’m excited to join the Stillwater family and I am honored to know I will work with excellent educators this year as we provide a dynamic education for our students,” Rogers said. “More importantly, I am beyond excited to learn from the Afton-Lakeland scholars and educators, as I know they will inspire me.”