KoMet named new KMMS Principal

15 years ago Josh Larsen graduated from Kasson-Mantorville High School.
This September, the current Stewartville Middle School principal will once again be in the district, this time as the K-M Middle School Principal.
Larsen was chosen after 33 candidates applied to be the next middle school principal. The search began after  current principal Erin Kylo accepted a middle school principal position in Colorado.
Although K-M Superintendent Mark Matuska, said that it is always great to have a graduate back in the school district, he pointed to his experience and talents as the main reason why they decided to make the move of hiring him.
“We are always excited to bring a former KoMet back home, but that wasn't why we hired him,” Matuska said. “ He brings a lot of talent to the Middle School position and he also has some great experiences from a like sized district in the HVL (Stewartville) that will bode well for him with our Middle School staff and our Admin Team.”
Larsen, graduated from K-M in 2004, and after graduating he enrolled enrolled at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls to pursue a Bachelor's degree in secondary education.  From there he went on to enroll at St. Mary's University of Minnesota, in 2011, and pursued a special education license in EBD/LD. Just recently, Larsen finished a new degree graduating  from Concordia - St. Paul with an Ed.S. degree in Educational Leadership.
Aside from obtaining higher education degrees, Larsen worked in a variety of different roles the last few years. Larsen started his career teaching middle school social studies in Rochester, before moving to Stewartville in 2014, where he taught global studies. From there he became the Dean of Students for the middle school and high school and last year he became the principal of the middle school.
Because K-M is in a smaller community, one of the most important things in any educational leadership position is being a community and family oriented person, something that Matuska said describes Larsen perfectly.
“I am looking forward to watching Josh provide great leadership in the Middle School, while also embedding himself into the Kasson-Mantorville Community,” Matuska stated. “It was evident he is a big family guy and I look forward to seeing him active throughout our fantastic community,” he added.
Larsen, said he is very excited to begin his next chapter in life as the K-M middle school principal.
“I am elated to serve the students, families, and communities of Kasson and Mantorville.  It means so much to have the opportunity to give back to the community in which I was raised.  The communities of Kasson and Mantorville are rooted in rich traditions. KoMet Pride shines through in all areas of our communities: from school functions to concerts to sporting events and to community events like Marigold Days.  Blue and White is everywhere. I am committed to high levels of learning for all students by which staff provide meaningful relationships and student-centered learning opportunities,” Larsen said. “Relationships are our foundation for building upon student strengths but also challenging students to learn and achieve at high levels in all areas of their lives.  I am excited to begin and cannot wait for the school year to begin.”
Larsen’s family consists of his wife Heather, and four children, Anabelle 8, Emsley  6, Henrik 3, and Loralie 1 year old.