Two new principals have been hired in Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Public Schools. Alyssa Schultz will replace Tom Idstrom, who is retiring from Rosemount Elementary School. Ann Giardino has been selected as the next principal of Dakota Hills Middle School, with Trevor Johnson retiring at the end of this year.
A familiar leader in the Rosemount community, Mrs. Schultz has served as the assistant administrator at Rosemount Elementary School since 2021. In that role, she has co-led school improvement processes and the school’s instructional leadership team. She has also guided the student assistance team and designed the school’s master schedule to maximize instructional time. An elementary and special education teacher by training, Mrs. Schultz previously worked as an Achieve special education teacher at Falcon Ridge Middle School (2016-2021) and as a 5th-grade teacher at Greenleaf Elementary School (2014-2016). She started her teaching career in Naples, Florida.
“I am truly honored to serve as the next principal of Rosemount Elementary. Having served as the assistant administrator for the past five years, it has brought me immense joy and pride to be part of such a dedicated community. I have witnessed firsthand the incredible learning our students engage in every day and the unwavering commitment of our talented staff,” Schultz said. “I am excited to build upon the strong foundation established under the leadership of Mr. Idstrom, ensuring a seamless transition for our school family. My goal is to continue fostering a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student feels welcomed and empowered as a learner. I look forward to leading Rosemount into its next chapter and deepening my partnership with the students, staff, and the families who make this community so special.”
“Alyssa is a strong student-centered advocate,” Principal Tom Idstrom wrote. “She actively cultivates a school culture where every single student feels seen, valued, and genuinely connected to our community. The students know she cares about them. We are incredibly fortunate to have a strong leader already in our school. She is a leader of high efficiency, big heart, and exceptional skills.”
Mrs. Schultz earned her bachelor’s in elementary education from the College of Saint Scholastica, a master’s in academic behavioral strategist and special education licensure from Bethel University, and a specialist degree in educational leadership from Concordia University.
Ann Giardino will bring a strong leadership and educational background to her role as a middle school principal at Dakota Hills, a role she currently holds with Stillwater Public Schools at Oak-Land Middle School.
“I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to and sustain the exceptional academic experience that defines District 196. At the core of my leadership is a strong sense of urgency and an unwavering commitment to ensuring high levels of learning for all students,” Mrs. Giardino said. “Through my past experiences, I have a unique perspective that allows me to deeply understand where students come from, anticipate where they are headed, and ensure that systems are aligned to support their success at every stage. I believe supporting students begins by modeling lifelong learning, reflection, and accountability. Growth is not optional; it is who we are as a school community. I work to ensure every learner is supported, challenged, and empowered to achieve their personal best.”
“Mrs. Giardino (Mrs. G to students) brings experience as a special education teacher, special education coordinator, middle school assistant principal, and head middle school principal,” shared Eric Hansen, director of secondary education. “She leads with a foundation of strong relationships, authenticity, and care for her staff, students, and community. She is a passionate educator and administrator with experience in creating school cultures where staff feel supported and families feel included. She has implemented evidence-based practices, created opportunities for shared decision-making, and cultivated a collaborative school culture. She will be an excellent addition to our middle school leadership team.”
Starting her educational career as a special education teacher in Farmington, New Mexico, Mrs. Giardino has traveled across the country, with stops in Arizona and Maine, before settling back in Minnesota. She’s held leadership roles in Wayzata Public Schools and Stillwater Area Schools. Her leadership philosophy was further shaped by more than a decade of leadership and field supervision with the National Outdoor Leadership School in Wyoming. She holds a bachelor’s from the University of St. Thomas, a master’s from Arizona State University, and is a graduate of the Minnesota Principals Academy at the University of Minnesota.
Both Giardino and Schultz will begin their new roles on July 1, 2026.