New principals selected for two elementary schools

The district’s two interim elementary principals now have new, permanent positions for the coming school year. Gina Doe and Dr. Christopher Rogers have been selected as the next leaders of Afton-Lakeland and Brookview elementary schools.

Gina Doe will be moving to Afton-Lakeland Elementary School in the fall. She has served as the interim principal at Brookview since December 2020. Doe is a relational leader with vast experience in instructional leadership and teacher development. She has a strong commitment to equity and a heart for underserved students and families within our community.

Before being named Brookview’s interim principal, Doe spent two years working as the assistant principal of Stillwater Middle School. Prior to coming to Stillwater she was a dean of students at Chippewa Middle School in Mounds View. She began her career as a science teacher and also served as an instructional coach. She holds her bachelors and masters degrees in teaching from the University of St. Thomas.  She also has a graduate certificate in STEM through St. Kates and an Educational Specialist degree.

“Gina is warm, welcoming and student focused,” said Superintendent Malinda Lansfeldt. “She’s stepped in as an interim mid-year – during a pandemic – and risen to every challenge thrown her way. She’s collaborative and approachable and her leadership style is a perfect fit for the Afton-Lakeland community,”

As the district’s first principal of color, Dr. Chris Rogers has been selected to lead Brookview Elementary School, one of the district’s most diverse schools. He has served as the interim principal at Afton-Lakeland since the start of the 2020-2021 school year. Dr. Rogers has years of experience with restorative practices and culturally relevant teaching, and a strong commitment to ensuring educational equity.

Prior to joining Stillwater, Dr. Rogers served as a Special Education teacher in the St. Cloud Area Schools and Osseo Area Schools, and as an assistant principal in the Mankato Area Public Schools. Dr. Rogers recently completed his Ed.D with St. Cloud State University. He also holds a bachelors and masters degrees from St. Cloud State University.

“Chris has a heart for students and is unapologetic in his desire to remove obstacles to ensure each and every child can succeed,” said Lansfeldt. “He creates a safe place for our students, staff and families and will continue to build on the strong traditions in place at Brookview Elementary.”

Both Doe and Dr. Rogers will finish out the school year at their current schools and transition into their new positions over the summer.