Assistant Principal, Moorhead Area Public Schools
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Lauren Knutson, and I am the Assistant Principal at Robert Asp Elementary in Moorhead. I grew up in Bagley, MN, and earned my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at Concordia College—Roll Cobbs! I also hold a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University Moorhead. After 13 years in education—nine in the classroom and four in administration—I view my role as a vital part of the support system it takes to raise and educate a child. I am driven by the connections I build with students, families, and staff, and nothing brings me more pride than following my former students’ successes as they reach new milestones.
Outside of school, I have been married to my husband, Luke, for nearly 13 years. Our history runs deep—we have actually known each other since our daycare days! Luke is my biggest cheerleader and a true lifelong learner; he constantly models personal growth and encourages me to keep pursuing my own dreams. Watching him navigate a busy schedule with such grace serves as a daily inspiration for how I approach both my career and our life together.
We stay extra busy chasing after our two-year-old daughter, Mya, whose smile and laugh can truly fill a room. She is a bundle of joy who loves to read, dance, swim, and play with friends. When we aren’t at home, you can usually find our family at the lake or out hiking and biking. While life is certainly a whirlwind, we’ve learned to truly value the quiet, intentional moments in between.
Q: What community issue do you feel deserves more attention?
A: When a child misses more than 10% of their classroom days, they are considered chronically absent. Last year, almost a quarter of the students in my school met this metric. This is a significant community challenge that deserves more urgent attention because education has the power to change the trajectory of a person’s life. For this transformation to happen, students first have to be present.
In a K-4 elementary setting, attendance is the foundation of everything we do. These early years are when students develop fundamental literacy and math skills; if a child misses these building blocks, the gap only widens as they grow. Beyond academics, school is where children learn social-emotional regulation and build lifelong friendships.
I have found a true passion for this work through my involvement with our District Attendance Team and our ASP HUGS Team. We focus on partnership, working directly with families to identify and remove the specific barriers—whether they are transportation, health, or navigating home-life obstacles—that keep students from the classroom.
Success in education isn’t just about what happens inside the four walls of a school; it is about the community coming together to ensure every child has the opportunity to get there. When we prioritize attendance, we aren’t just filling seats; we are ensuring that every child has a fair shot at a bright, successful future.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: I have a stage fright story that still makes my stomach do knots. I was once cast in the musical Pippin and had a solo song. During the performance, I accidentally sang the wrong chorus, which wouldn’t have been so bad if our choreography didn’t match the lyrics! I completely threw off my partner as our dance moves went one way and the words went another. I haven’t stepped back onto the musical theater stage since, but it taught me a lot about recovering (or at least trying to) when things go off-script in front of a live audience.
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: The United Way is important to me because it serves as the link between a student’s life at home and their success in the classroom. As an educator, I know that academic achievement is only possible when a child’s basic needs are met first. The United Way provides the wraparound support—from housing stability to food security—that creates a foundation of safety, allowing our students to show up ready to learn.
Their commitment to education has been deep for years. By investing in early childhood literacy, after-school programming, and mental health resources, the United Way helps to level the playing field for our most vulnerable students. When these supports are in place, the ripple effect is felt directly in our hallways. To me, the United Way represents the village we talk about in education, ensuring no family navigates life’s hurdles alone. By supporting children, the United Way isn’t just improving lives today—they are helping us build a foundation for lifelong success and a stronger, more equitable future for our entire community.
Q: What is a quote you would frame on your desk?
A: “Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” -Buddha
