Meet new BLHS Principal Shallyn Tordeur

Big Lake High School (BLHS) will be under new leadership for the 2026-2027 school year, with current assistant principal Shallyn Tordeur taking the helm from retiring principal Bob Dockendorf. Tordeur is committed to growing and fostering a welcoming, student-centered learning environment, rooting her leadership philosophy in collaboration and relationships.

“This is more than just a job for me. It’s a commitment to our kids and to this community,” Tordeur said. “I want to be someone students feel comfortable with, staff feel supported by, and families feel they can trust. That’s what I’ll work towards every day.”

Tordeur, who has been with BLHS since 2022, acknowledges that her familiarity with the community gives her a head start in building on the culture and driving positive change. “I can make informed decisions right away because they’re rooted in real relationships,” Tordeur said.

Headed into next year, Tordeur’s message to students is simple: “You belong here, and your presence makes a difference.” She describes the future of BLHS as “inclusive, empowering, and student-centered.” She envisions a learning community that puts the students at the heart of every decision, empowering them to shape their own futures and pursue their own passions.  

Her ultimate goal is for every student to cross the stage at graduation prepared not only academically, but as critical thinkers, collaborators, and problem-solvers ready to lead and create meaningful change in their communities.

However, she knows she can’t accomplish these goals on her own. For Tordeur, relationships and collaboration are at the heart of everything.

“I’m here to listen, to continue to learn, and to work alongside our families and community,” Tordeur said. “The best decisions come when we work together and stay focused on what’s right for kids.”

From working with community partners to extend learning beyond the classrooms and ensuring teachers feel valued and enabled to do their best work, she vows to carry that collaborative-first mindset into everything she does.

At the end of the day, she wants families to know that she doesn’t take her new role lightly. She understands the gravity of her position and looks forward to partnering with them to ensure success for every student. 

“As a parent myself, I understand the trust you place in me every day,” Tordeur said. “When students walk through these doors, I see them as someone’s child who deserves to feel seen, supported, and truly known. I show up every day with that in mind.”