Longtime Spring Creek Principal Scott Sannes will retire, effective July 31, 2024. Below is the text of the email he sent to families on July 26:

Dear Spring Creek Families:

I was hired as Sibley Elementary School’s principal 25 years ago. After much reflection, I have decided it is time for me to try something different. I will retire from the Northfield School District on July 31, 2024.

My 25 years at Spring Creek have been an amazing experience. It has been a privilege to serve you and the thousands of students who have come through our school’s doors during that time. This role has been an honor and I am so grateful for having had the opportunity.

As I did when I began teaching in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, 32 years ago, I wholeheartedly believe that public education is foundational to our democracy. I am proud of the progress we have made at Spring Creek and know that will continue long after my retirement. We have an excellent staff who are committed to doing good things for your children.

Dr. Hillmann will communicate the next steps in hiring my successor. You can expect to hear from him very soon with additional details.

Again, thank you for your support. I wish you all the best in the upcoming school year.

Sincerely,

Scott

—
Scott Sannes, Principal
Spring Creek Elementary

Northfield School District Superintendent Dr. Matt Hillmann said he will recommend that veteran Spring Creek teacher Tania Will serve as the interim principal at Spring Creek for the 2024-25 school year. In an email to families, Hillmann said:

“…I am grateful for Scott’s dedication and his substantial contribution to our community and school district. He has cultivated a learning environment that has served our community — including my own three children — so well. We wish him well as he moves forward on life’s journey.

To provide stability and to maintain the excellent school culture that Spring Creek staff and families have come to expect, I will recommend the school board approve Mrs. Tania Will to serve as the school’s interim principal for the 2024-25 school year.

Mrs. Will brings tremendous experience to the role. She has served the district for over 30 years as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and most recently as a science teacher, with most of this experience at Spring Creek. Mrs. Will is well-known among the Spring Creek community and has my full confidence.”

Dr. Hillmann also stated that the next steps for selecting a permanent principal for Spring Creek would take place in late February/early March 2025.