Schools

Minnetonka High School Principal Dave Adney Announces Resignation

Adney has accepted a position as Executive Director with the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP).

The following was released by Minnetonka Schools:

With a legacy of accomplishments in student achievement and 10 years of service, Dave Adney has announced his resignation as principal at Minnetonka High School, effective June 30, 2013. Mr. Adney has accepted a position as Executive Director with the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP).

“Dave Adney was picked to lead our high school to greatness, and he has fulfilled our expectations. He has provided dynamic leadership and enabled incredible student development. He has made significant improvements in the school.He sets high expectations, and he models the values, beliefs and attitudes that encourage others to higher performance levels, said Dr. Dennis Peterson, Minnetonka Public Schools Superintendent. “In his new position, we know he will be a positive influence on the lives of many high school students statewide.”

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Click here to read Principal Adney's Monday morning letter to parents.

While the list of achievements at the high school is long, Dave Adney’s true strengths are in connecting with kids and developing leaders among students and staff. Mr. Adney has consistently had outstanding parent, staff and student approval ratings. In the latest annual parent survey, 95 percent of parents say Mr. Adney is accessible to them and 94 percent would recommend Minnetonka High School to a friend.

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“In the first 18 years of my career, I had an impact on students’ lives. In the next 18 years, I had an impact on teachers. And hopefully, in the next 18 years—God willing—I can make an impact on principals,” said Mr. Adney, reflecting on his career in education.

Minnetonka School District will immediately begin a national search for Mr. Adney’s replacement. The District is confident that Mr. Adney is leaving Minnetonka High School well-positioned to attract a highly respected school leader to guide the school into the next decade.

Major accomplishments during Mr. Adney's tenure at Minnetonka High School:

Academic Excellence
• Minnetonka High School is in the top 500 Best High Schools in America by U.S. News and World ReportNewsweekand The Washington Post

• Minnetonka High School was named to the Advanced Placement District Honor Roll by the College Board for increasing access to AP courses and maintaining a high percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams

• The number of National Merit Semifinalists increased from 2 in 2002 to 13 in 2012 

• The number of National Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars increased from 8 in 2007 to 37 in 2012

• The number of AP Scholars (all levels) increased from 42 in 2001 to 328 in 2012

• The number of students awarded International Baccalaureate (IB) Diplomas increased from 6 in 2006 to 30 in 2012

• Average ACT scores rose to 25.3 in 2012, up from 24.0 in 2003 
• 99 percent of senior graduate

• 93 percent of graduates are college-bound

Program Legacy

• Implemented International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (436 students enrolled in IB courses in 2012) 

• Increased enrollment in both AP and IB courses (822 students taking AP Exams in 2012)

• Established the International Studies Program with sister schools in eight countries (China, India, Russia, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Germany and Holland) for the International Studies Program

• Reduced the course failure rate by 55 percent

• Implemented first-of-its-kind embedded health education model in 2007

• Implemented the Apple iPad Project for all ninth and tenth grade students 

• Established the VANTAGE Global Business Program, an innovative educational approach designed to give students real-world experiences in corporate settings, beginning in the 2013-14 school year.


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