By Christine Erntson, director of communication and community engagement
September 23, 2024 | 10 a.m.
PACT Charter School is excited to announce that Dr. Shawn Lohse will be the new principal of the secondary campus starting November 1, 2024. Dr. Lohse offers a diverse background in education, proven leadership skills, and an unwavering focus on fostering a high standard of learning in a secondary school community.
From 2016 to 2021, Dr. Lohse served as principal at Legacy Christian Academy, overseeing grades 7-12. In this role, she was responsible for academics, instructional leadership, staffing, curriculum, professional development, budgeting, and driving school culture. She also developed a robust leadership program aimed at equipping students with essential skills for personal growth and achievement.
More recently, Dr. Lohse has been consulting with local school districts, where she launched a comprehensive audit of high school programming and curriculum while using feedback from students and families to refine academic options. This program was a launch pad for introducing a set of diverse electives for engaging every learner, including outdoor programming, business, communication, and studio art, among others. She has also provided mentorship for new principals, focusing on innovation and fostering a positive school culture, and led workshops on leadership development.
“Dr. Lohse's vision for secondary education, coupled with her experience in leadership and curriculum development, makes her a perfect fit for PACT," said Dr. Nathan Flansburg, Superintendent of Schools. "I am confident she will bring fresh ideas and a dynamic approach to fostering academic excellence and student growth in our community.”
As principal of the Secondary Campus, Dr. Lohse will oversee grades 6-12, focusing on enhancing academic programs, fostering a strong student culture, and ensuring that instructional practices align with PACT’s mission of educational excellence. She will also work closely with teachers and staff to implement innovative teaching strategies, promote student engagement, and ensure a positive and inclusive learning environment. Additionally, Dr. Lohse will guide professional development efforts and collaborate with families to support student success.
Dr. Lohse holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Bemidji State University, an M.A. in International Business from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Bethel University, and an Administrative K-12 Licensure and Middle Years Programme Certification.