Princeton Public Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Ryan Jensen as the next principal of Princeton High School. Jensen will succeed Barb Muckenhirn, who will be leaving to become the next superintendent at Greenbush-Middle River School District and Tri-County School District beginning Jul 1, 2023.

A former Princeton High School teacher and assistant principal, Mr. Jensen has remained a part of the Princeton community, even as his career advancement has taken him to Waterville-Elysian-Morristown Schools, where he currently serves as superintendent of schools.

“Ryan has maintained his commitment to the Princeton community by continuing to live in our community and send his children to our school district.” said Superintendent Ben Barton. “He is an experienced high school principal and will be able to make a smooth transition into this important leadership role at our high school. Every student in our district will eventually go to Princeton High School and benefit from the leadership he will provide in the coming years. I hope our entire community will congratulate him on this exciting new chapter in his career.”

Mr. Jensen has been an educator for 33 years, starting as a high school social studies teacher and coach. After serving as an assistant high school principal in Princeton, he went on to lead Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School, Winona High School, and Rockford High School.  

Mr. Jensen’s mission-driven career centers on the core values of learning, collaboration, relationships, integrity, and compassion — all values that align with our Princeton Public Schools core values and vision to equip every student to be career and college ready through personalized instruction, community partnerships, and collaboration.

“I’m excited to return to Princeton High School, where I started my career as a teacher,” shared Mr. Jensen. “I have fond memories of the seventeen years I spent working in Princeton Public Schools. I was able to develop a lot of positive relationships with students who are now living, working, and raising families in Princeton. Even though it’s been sixteen years since I left Princeton High School, this is the community I chose to raise my family, because I know Princeton values outstanding education. I’m committed to providing all students a positive learning experience that opens doors to as many post-secondary options as possible and prepares them for success in whichever path they choose.“

Mr. Jensen and his wife Jaimee have three children who have attend(ed) Princeton Public Schools. 

The selection of the Princeton High School principal was a highly competitive process. The interview process involved approximately 40 stakeholders, including school board members, school administration, teachers, support staff, city representatives, chamber of commerce, parents, and students. We interviewed extremely high quality candidates who all were qualified and experienced. The district appreciates all who provided input and were involved in the process.