Jeremy Ranch Elementary Principal Shawn Kuennen to retire after 17 years of leadership

PARK CITY, Utah—After nearly two decades at the helm of Jeremy Ranch Elementary School, Principal Shawn Kuennen is retiring, closing a chapter marked by dedication, high achievement, and a deep commitment to students and staff.

Kuennen, who led the school for 17 years, reflected on his tenure and the changes he has witnessed.

“I think it’s very rare and wonderful to be at one school for 17 years,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of changes over the years, but Jeremy Ranch has continued to be a high-performing school.”

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In 2017, the school was awarded the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School recognition, an honor that Kuennen considers a highlight of his career. “That would be the pinnacle, in terms of recognition,” he said. “But being able to maintain a high-performing school body over the course of a pandemic and construction and all of the various changes— I would say that’s what I’m most proud of.”

A Changing Landscape

Education has evolved significantly since Kuennen first stepped into his role, particularly with the rise of technology. “When I started at Jeremy Ranch, smartphones were just being introduced,” he said. “I’ve seen the evolution of what smartphones and social media have done, and it’s quite impactful.”

While academics have always been a priority, he believes the focus has shifted. “I’ve always considered academic development and social development to be of equal importance,” he said. “But in the last few years, I’d lean more toward saying social development is the primary driver. Our culture’s approach to putting technology in children’s hands too soon is detrimental to their social development, and I think we’re going to have lasting consequences.”

Leading with Trust

Kuennen attributes much of the school’s success to the strength of its educators. “Educating children is extremely complex and challenging, and for any challenging task, we work more effectively as a team,” he said. “My philosophy has always been to focus on getting the right people in the right positions and trusting them to do what is best for kids.”

That team-based approach will continue after his departure. “We have tremendous educators, not just at Jeremy Ranch but across the district,” he said. “Our kids are in good hands.”

Supporting Students in a Changing World

One of the biggest challenges during Kuennen’s tenure has been addressing increasing behavioral needs among students. “There have always been challenging behaviors,” he said. “But whereas we used to have one or two students who needed significant support, in recent years, it’s been more like a dozen.”

He sees technology as a key factor. “Kids aren’t getting the instruction and models they need to develop their social skills,” he said. “We’ve had to build in so many additional supports—school social workers, more counseling time, coordinators—to make sure we’re meeting students’ social needs when they’re young.”

A Grateful Goodbye

While Kuennen acknowledges many memorable moments, one small note from a student stands out. “I have a framed message on my wall from a kindergarten student that says, ‘Thank you for being the best principal in the whole wide school,’” he said. “Of course, I’m the only principal in the whole wide school, but maybe not everybody realizes that. It reminds me that my position is very important for the students here.”

Looking ahead, Kuennen plans to spend more time biking, camping, reading, and learning. He has no immediate plans to stay in education but remains confident in the school’s future. “Jeremy Ranch is a valued part of the community, and that’s clear every day,” he said.

He leaves one final message for the parents, teachers, and students he has worked with over the years: “We are partners in raising the children of the community, and we’re way more effective when we work together for the benefit of all students. I see that every day in this job, and I am confident it’s going to continue.”

Kuennen said he leaves with gratitude. “I have a tremendous amount of gratitude for the opportunity to be at Jeremy Ranch Elementary all these years,” he said. “I would simply want to express that.”