Ashley L. Farrington

Birchview Elementary School
Wayzata Public Schools
Plymouth, Minnesota
ashley.farrington@wayzataschools.org

When Ashley Farrington, Ed.S., became principal of Birchview Elementary School five years ago, a first priority was to reimagine the school’s core mission. The result was a simple yet powerful mantra, “At Birchview, You Matter.” Since then, he has worked to make that vision a daily reality for every student, family, and staff member to ensure everyone feels valued, respected, and a true sense of belonging within the school community. To strengthen relationships, amplify student voice, and foster belonging, Farrington introduced a daily circle practice rooted in Indigenous community-building traditions. Now embedded across many aspects of learning, it has helped build a culture of safety, connection, and inclusion throughout the school. Farrington also led a revitalization of Birchview’s Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), refocusing them on learning, collaboration, and results, which has deepened collective ownership of student achievement and driven sustained gains in grade-level literacy proficiency. Passionate about empowering staff leadership, Farrington partnered with the PTA and staff members to launch the Birchview Community Garden, a cherished space where students, families, and neighbors gather to learn, grow, and connect. Farrington, who was recognized in 2020 as a NAESP National Outstanding Assistant Principal, serves as President of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association and is the founding leader of its BIPOC Affinity Group, which works to grow and diversify the profession to better reflect Minnesota’s students and communities. He holds an Ed.S. Licensure and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, as well as a B.A. in Elementary Education from Saint John’s University.