Phil Johnsrud hired as new MAS Activities Director/4-12 Dean of Students

Minnewaska Area High School is excited to announce the hiring of Phil Johnsrud as the new MAS Activities Director/4-12 Dean of Students. In making this decision, Minnewaska Area Schools recently interviewed a number of highly qualified candidates through a vetting process that included members of the school administration, board of education, a coach, and fine arts representative.

Johnsrud has spent the last 29-years teaching and coaching in Minnewaska. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education, in addition to a Physical Education and Health degree from Moorhead State University.

Johnsrud has coached Basketball, Baseball, and Football at the youth and varsity levels. Johnsrud was named Section 6AA Coach of the year in 2011, Section 3AA Coach of the year 2001 & 2018. In looking forward to taking the reigns as the Activities Director and Dean of Students in Minnewaska, Johnsrud stated, “I have a deep sense of passion for my profession as well as our school and recognize how important it is to challenge myself to improve and discover how we as a district can accomplish goals, rather than why we can’t. Although I enjoy being a teacher, I am incredibly motivated to be a leader at a different level. I have a great deal to give to kids and families of our communities.”

Superintendent Chip Rankin says, “We are thrilled to have Phil as our new Activities Director and Dean of Students for Minnewaska. We look forward to his passions, enthusiasm, organization, and leadership. Phil’s focus has always been on doing what is best for students and we look forward to him bringing this type of leadership to our district.” Phil will assume his new duties effective July 1, 2022.