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NU Journal: Wagelie is new Sleepy Eye Elementary principal

The Sleepy Eye Public School Board on June 10 unanimously approved hiring McKenzie Wagelie as elementary principal for the 2026-27 school year.

A 2018 Sleepy Eye High School graduate, Wagelie begins working in Sleepy Eye July 1. Her contract includes a $90,000 annual salary.

She was chosen from four finalists for the job. Other finalists were New Richland Hartland Ellendale Geneva Schools Teaching and Learning Coordinator Jason Toupence, Kimball Elementary Principal Joel Timmerman and Fridley High School Assistant Principal Mark Jacobs.

The elementary principal job opened in April when principal Ben Westphal resigned shortly after the school board approved a one-year, $90,000 2026-27 one-year probationary period extension contract with him.

A former behavior intervention, teaching and program coordinator at River Bend Education District in New Ulm, Westphal said he will work for Minnesota Valley Education District Special Education Services in St. Peter next school year.

Wagelie graduated from South Dakota State University with a B.S. in Animal Science in 2021 and earned a M.S. degree in Agricultural Education in 2023 before completing an Education Administration program from the University of Minnesota in 2025.

After beginning her educational career as an agriculture teacher and assistant FFA advisor, Wagelie was an ag teacher and FFA advisor at Granada-Huntley-East Chain (GHEC) Schools for several years.

But she said she’s always felt connected to Sleepy Eye.

“I’ve always appreciated the strong sense of community and support that exists throughout the district,” said Wagelie. “I had the opportunity to begin my teaching career in Sleepy Eye, which further strengthened my connection to the school and community. Returning as elementary principal feels like coming home. My family and I are excited about this next chapter and hope to make Sleepy Eye our long-term home by moving back in the near future.”

Wagelie said she worked closely with students, staff, families, and community partners at GHEC that helped her prepare for an administration role including PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports), student support team, a building project oversight committee, leadership team, calendar committee and as a targeted services teacher for grades 2-8.

Her hobbies and interests include spending time with family, barrel racing, riding horses, ranch life and involvement in youth activities and community events.

Wagelie is president of the Golden Rose Saddle Club, South Central Saddle Club Association vice president and is active in barrel racing.

She married Mathiowetz Construction employee Austin Wagelie and they live on the Running AM Spur Ranch with two young boys, Emmett and Colter, five horses, four cats and two dogs near Lewisville.

Wagelie said she and her husband are looking for a rural residence with acreage in the Sleepy Eye area.

In his board report, Sleepy Eye/Cedar Mountain Superintendent John Cselovszki said all Sleepy Eye Public Schools Indian mascot-related items are being removed and replaced by the Sleepy Eye Storm mascot by Sept. 1.