Meet the New Assistant Principals Joining Oakdale Schools

The North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District welcomed two new assistant principals to Oakdale schools this week.

Austin Tollerson joins Skyview Middle School and Eric Fort joins Tartan High School this year. Also returning to Tartan as another assistant principal is Karen Wollak.

Oakdale Patch caught up with Tollerson and Fort about their past experience and what brings them to Oakdale schools.

Oakdale Patch: What did you do before your new position?

Tollerson: I was a counselor in the Osseo Area Schools at Park Center Senior High and I taught English in Costa Rica and Spanish in San Mateo, California.

Fort: I worked in the Eden Prairie School District and the title of my position was Student Integration Support Specialist. I consider myself fortunate because in this role I was able to work in many different aspects of school life. I was able to work on discipline issues, transportation, parent outreach, college preparation, grading, curriculum and professional development.

Oakdale Patch: What brought you to Oakdale's school district?

Tollerson: [I took the position] because of the strong support the district gives to teachers and Administration in their pursuit of and dedication to equity, quality instruction, and success for ALL students.

Fort: The district is dedicated to making sure all students are successful and that really resonates with me. Also I have a strong passion for making sure students have access to some type of post-secondary education and Tartan is implementing the AVID program (Advancement Via Individual Determination) this year.

Oakdale Patch: What do you have to offer at your school?

Tollerson (Skyview Middle School): A wide variety of experiences in and out of education with different cultures and students of many diverse backgrounds. A genuine interest in the success of each and every student who walks through our doors and in closing the achievement gaps by helping to create a culture in our buildings that supports learning for all students.

Fort (Tartan High School): I feel I bring a lot of energy, as well as a passion for supporting staff and students.

Oakdale Patch: What are you most excited about for this school year?

Tollerson: Supporting our fantastic instructional strategies and building upon our welcoming community through building relationships.

Fort: Everything! I feel like a lot of great things are happening at Tartan and I am excited to be a part of it.   

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