As someone who has worked with Tri-City United High School Assistant Principal David Ruehs for several years, Principal Alan Fitterer described his colleague as a person who believes in second chances.
“For one, he’s not just student-focused, he’s people-focused,” Fitterer said. “He truly puts humans at the very top. [He] has built great relationships with students, staff, parents and guardians.”
It’s that mindset that led Ruehs, who started working for TCU Public Schools in the fall of 2020, to help form the Titan Achievement Academy; the district’s at-risk program is now in its third year.
“We as a district didn’t have a solution for these students coming out of COVID who were so far behind in credits to graduate high school,” Fitterer said. “[Ruehs] was instrumental in getting that program started.”
Fifteen to 20 students have completed the program in the past couple of years, Ruehs said.
Ruehs’ work with the Titan Achievement Academy is just one of the reasons why he was recognized with the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals’ 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year award.
Ruehs said he was “totally clueless” when a small crowd of district staff, his colleagues and his family surprised him at a ceremony Monday afternoon.
“I saw some school board members here and some other administrative colleagues. I knew we were going to do some yearbook pictures, I thought we dressed up for the yearbook today,” he said.
After receiving the honor, Ruehs said the school’s students are his priority.
“We’re here to make sure the students are [as successful] as they can be. [That] they’re remaining safe and they’re making good decisions.”
MASSP is made up of eight divisions around the state. Each year, the divisions nominate candidates for various accolades.
MASSP Executive Director Bob Driver said winners like Ruehs often demonstrate impact and leadership and build pathways for student success.
“Assistant principals have a major role to play in schools. A lot of times they’re the frontline in front of the parent. A lot of times they’re disciplinarians. A lot of times they’re the first contact when it comes to staff asking a question,” he said.
Ruehs’ family was also there to cheer him on Monday.
His wife Melanie Ruehs, who works at the district as a teacher on special assignment, found out about Ruehs’ recognition only that morning. She said she was excited and proud of her husband.
“He works hard and he really, really tries to do what’s best for students. He really tries to do what’s best for his staff, and so it was well deserved,” she said.
Ruehs’ kids Leah, Isaac and Calvin Ruehs made signs for their dad that said “You Won!” to show their support.
Calvin described his dad’s passion for his work.
“He’s always working and [talking] about school. He has a bunch of stories about how good things are going,” he said.
As a Minnesota winner, Ruehs will now represent the state in the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ contest this spring. He’ll be flown to Washington D.C. in April and has the chance to take home the 2026 NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year award then.