Hockinson appointed as Parkside Elementary principal
Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Schools is pleased to announce that Jake Hockinson will be the next principal of Parkside Elementary School.
An extensive search and evaluation process has been conducted over the past seven weeks, culminating in the school board’s appointment of Hockinson to the principal’s position during its meeting on Monday, March 24. Hockinson emerged from a competitive field of candidates due to his strong instructional background, his proven ability to form personal connections with students and staff, and his approachable, enthusiastic and collaborative demeanor.
Hockinson joined BHM Schools in the fall of 2023 as a dean of students at Montrose Elementary School of Innovation. This winter he shifted to Buffalo Community Middle School in a support role while BCMS Principal Matt Lubben took on the interim principal role at Parkside.
“Through the search process, it became clear that Jake has the experiences, background, and passion to successfully lead Parkside Elementary School as its new principal,” said Superintendent Dr. Scott Thielman. “As an internal selection, Jake will have the ability to assume the Parkside Elementary Principal responsibilities on April 7, 2025. Matt Lubben will continue to provide support for the remainder of the school year to assist in the transition.”
Hockinson began his educational career in 2008, teaching English as a second language to third-graders in Bahrain. One year as a sixth-grade teacher in Rochester Public Schools followed before he joined Waconia Public Schools to teach grades 3-5 from 2010 to 2017. For the next five years he continued to serve Waconia Public Schools as an instructional coach, and he moved into a teaching and learning manager role for Waconia in the year before joining BHM Schools.
Multiple references remarked on Hockinson’s personable nature, his skill in instruction and curriculum planning, and his “strong,” “dynamic” leadership.
“He is without a doubt one of the most effective educational leaders that I have had the pleasure of working with,” said Montrose Elementary School of Innovation Principal Tony Steffes, who worked alongside Hockinson for the past year and a half.
Hockinson earned his bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from Northwestern College in Iowa, his master’s in K-12 education from Winona State University, and his administrative license from Hamline University.
“It's an honor to step into the principal role at Parkside Elementary,” said Hockinson, adding that he sees “incredible opportunities” ahead and aims to work with staff and families closely to make a positive impact on students. “My goal is to provide steady, student-centered, and results-oriented leadership while partnering with the entire school community to support every child's success. I'm genuinely looking forward to the journey ahead!”
While his initial position as dean of students was temporary, Hockinson said he is grateful for the opportunity to make BHM Schools his professional home.
“My experience with BHM Schools has been incredibly rewarding,” Hockinson said. “From the beginning, I felt embraced by a district that truly lives out its motto: ‘The Place to Dream, Believe, and Achieve.’ I've seen firsthand how BHM empowers students to dream big, supports staff in believing in their collective impact, and creates the conditions for every student to achieve success. What was to be a two-year opportunity quickly turned into something more because of the district's strong sense of community, shared values, and commitment to students. It became clear that this is not just a great place to work — it's a place where I can grow and contribute meaningfully as a leader.”
