The Eden Prairie High School (EPHS) Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) hosted a meet-and-greet with the incoming high school principal, Jaysen Anderson, at a social event on May 20 at Champps in Eden Prairie.

Anderson will take over the role from current Principal Nate Gibbs, starting with the 2024-25 school year.

EP Schools Superintendent Josh Swanson was present, as were EPHS associate principals Lomumba Ismail, Victor Johnson, and Tamiko Thomas. Although community attendance was light, parents who attended said they were pleased for the chance to meet the new principal.

Heather Farley, the EPHS PTO president, said of Anderson, “Our parents are looking for leaders that will be involved with both students and parents. (Anderson) being here tonight shows he’s willing to have open conversations with parents at a social event, even though he hasn’t yet started his position.”

Farley added, “I think this speaks volumes about the character he is going to bring to his role.”

Anderson said for the past eight years, he has “loved” being principal of Bloomington Jefferson High School, which is one of Bloomington’s two high schools.

However, he said, “I am really intrigued by the idea of a community focused on one high school, one identity, and one culture,” he said, “The Eden Prairie Eagles are a spirit and energy that I have not experienced before. I’m really excited to see what that means and what it feels like.”

Anderson said that he is looking forward to starting his new role. “I’m super excited, energized, and engaged,” he said. “I’m ready to learn all the great things about this community, meet a bunch of great new people, build new relationships, new bonds. I’m looking forward to honoring and celebrating everything we do and can do.”

Anderson will officially start his new role on July 1.