The White Bear Lake Area School District is pleased to announce that Julian Stanke has been chosen as the future principal of Birch Lake Elementary, a position that opened when current principal Jonathan Luknic announced he would resign at the end of the current school year. Stanke will begin his role at Birch on July 1, 2023.


Stanke comes to the district from South St. Paul Public Schools, where he serves as assistant principal at South St. Paul Middle School. Prior to his current role, he held multiple positions in the district, including K-6 Spanish teacher and student support specialist.


“Those who have worked with Julian describe him as a relationship-builder who is passionate about creating a strong community of students, families and staff members in order to help learners to find academic success,” said Superintendent Wayne Kazmierczak. “His strong administrative and teaching experience will serve the Birch Lake Elementary community well.”