Administration Team

  • Derek Bell
     
    Derek Bell
    Principal
    952.496.5830
    		 I am proud to be the principal of Sweeney Elementary School! My passion for education began while attending school at Zumbrota-Mazeppa Public Schools. I often found myself volunteering for programs that worked with younger students academically and athletically. After High School, I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato where I majored in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Middle School Mathematics. I began my teaching career in the Farmington School District, where I spent 8 years teaching Fifth Grade. During that time, I earned a Masters Degree in Teaching and Learning and a Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from St. Mary's University. After leaving the classroom, I spent 5 years as the Principal of Cannon Falls Elementary School in Cannon Falls, MN.
     
    I live in Lakeville with my wife, Lindsay, and my 3 girls (Madilynn, Myla and Macy). Lindsay teaches Third grade in Farmington School District. We enjoy spending as much time as we can with our girls! We love going to parks, playing outside, and being silly with each other. I also enjoy reading (mainly children's books!), golfing, billiards, and spending time with friends. 
     
    I am proud to be a part of the Shakopee School District and look forward to working with the amazing people who work in and attend Shakopee Schools. 
     
       
    Camille Delaney
    Dean of Students
    952-496-5839
     

    I am excited to be a member of the Sweeney Elementary School family, and I look forward to providing support to the awesome students and families that we serve! 

     

    My career in education began in Illinois, where I was a preschool and kindergarten teacher prior to working for the Illinois Early Intervention (Birth to age 3) Program. From there, I became a licensed special education teacher and quickly realized that I had a passion for working with students with significant challenges. I taught students with severe social-emotional behavioral disorders in federal setting 4 schools prior to relocating to Minnesota in 2012. 

     

    As a Minnesotan, I served the students of Bloomington’s Kennedy High School as a special education teacher for 5 years prior to going into leadership as a Special Education Coordinator at Jefferson High School for 2 years. I then became a Student Support Dean in another district for 2 years before accepting the Dean of Students position at Sweeney. 

     

    I’m not just an educator, I am a parent. My adult son has special needs, and he is the best part of me; he is my heartbeat. Whether they are mainstream or receiving special services, I endeavor to treat every student the way that I’d want my own child to be treated. Likewise, I treat every parent/guardian the way I expect to be treated as a parent. I desire to serve with a spirit of love, kindness, respect, and understanding. 

     

    I have earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Multicategorical Special Education from Governors State University in Illinois. I also have a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership and am currently finalizing coursework for a degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University - St. Paul. Those who are closest to me are quite certain that I will pursue a doctoral degree at some point. We’ll see what happens with that…

     

    I live in Rosemount, Minnesota with my two favorite guys, my son, Aaron, and our dog, Prince the Royal Pit. Moving to the marvelous state of Minnesota was the best decision that I could have made for my family! Accepting a position with Shakopee Public Schools is the second best decision!