La Conner Weekly News - Your independent hometown award-winning newspaper

An avid jogger, Todd Torgeson is about to set foot on a new career path.

Torgeson, in the third year of his second tour at La Conner Schools, announced in a district-wide email on Monday his resignation as middle and high school principal in order “to explore other options.”

La Conner Superintendent Dr. Whitney Meissner confirmed during a video-conferenced school board study session Monday evening Torgeson’s decision to step down at end of the academic year.

She said Torgeson earned a reputation as a campus instructional leader devoted to creating a climate allowing all students to learn while stressing the value of daily teachable moments.

“In Mr. Torgeson’s three years as La Conner secondary principal,” Meissner told the Weekly News, “he worked to build positive relationships, grow the career and technical program, and strengthen school culture.”

His colleagues agreed.

“He was just a great fit here,” longtime La Conner teacher and coach Scott Novak said of Torgeson.

In his email, Torgeson, whom Meissner described as “a very reflective person,” wrote he has been “dialing in parts of my life and focusing on a healthier lifestyle.”

“At the end of each year,” he added, “you have to evaluate where you are and what your goals are and at this point, I plan to explore other options.”

As of press time Tuesday, Torgeson had not responded to a Weekly News request for elaboration on his plans.

Torgeson has long been a familiar figure in La Conner, dating to his teens. He grew up in Concrete, where he was a standout athlete, leading the league rival Lions to the 1984 State B football championship.

He first joined the La Conner staff in 1997, serving five years as a teacher, athletic director and coach. Prior to his return to La Conner, he was an assistant principal at Sedro-Woolley.

During a 27-year career in education, Torgeson has also taught and coached at Concrete Schools, his alma mater.

Torgeson was one of three finalists in 2017 for the Concrete superintendent position. He and Meissner both arrived in La Conner July 1 of that year.

“We came in together,” Meissner reminded board members, “and worked well together for three years.”