Wednesday, March 20, 2024
To this day, Ken Hatch remains one of the greatest leadership role models of my career. His care for students and staff was beyond measure and clearly present in every decision. He handled the many daily challenges of a principal with grace and integrity resulting in an environment of trust and admiration from our entire school community. He truly lived and practiced a “students first” approach in all that he did. Thank you, Mr. Hatch, for all you taught me without even trying.
After landing my first principal job, my secretary came to my office and shared that there was someone here to see me. How surprised I was to see Mr. Hatch, dressed in his suit, coming to congratulate me and have a tour of the school. Even 15 years after his retirement, he still encouraged me and took a genuine interest in my career path. That was just the kind of person he was. Thank you, Mr. Hatch, for inspiring me.
When Ken retired, and a few of the Countryside people went out for some social time, a couple teachers may have been a little more boisterous than typically expected from teachers. Knowing we were educators, the waiter asked, “what district are you from?” Without missing a beat, Mr. Hatch replied, “Eden Prairie.” Good one, Mr. Hatch! Thanks for enriching the lives of everyone around you.
Dr. Kevin Bjerken, Principal and former Countryside teacher
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