Superintendent Search

Superintendent Search Survey

On Jan. 27 the “Stillwater Area Schools Superintendent Search Survey” was made available to the public both online and in hard copy. The survey remained open for respondents until Feb. 10, and a total of 822 people completed the survey.

Read the full survey report

Areas of Expertise: Those who responded to the survey were also asked to identify the top six desirable areas of expertise they believe the new superintendent must possess. The most frequently noted areas of expertise are listed below in order of preference.

• Collaborative Leadership
• Budget and Finance
• Curriculum Development/Evaluation
• School Reform (i.e., Strategic Planning, etc.)
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Personnel Management

Specialized Skills: The top six specialized skills the new superintendent must possess were identified in the survey results as shown below.

• Acts with honesty and in an ethical manner in dealings with the School Board, staff, and community
• Develops trust and works collaboratively with diverse groups of stakeholders
• Develops and directs an effective leadership team
• Effectively mediates and accommodates different perspectives; values teamwork
• Is a “people person” with proven abilities in human relations and communications
• Possesses a strong academic background with experience in curriculum

Previous Experience: Respondents were asked if previous superintendent experience is important. Based on the results, 45.97% of the respondents selected “Yes,” while 54.03% of the respondents selected “No.”

Personal Characteristics: Survey takers were also asked to identify the top six personal characteristics they believe the new superintendent must possess. The most frequently noted personal characteristics are listed below in order of preference.

• Honest and ethical
• Effective communicator
• Problem solver
• Transparent
• Inclusive
• Consistent

Stillwater Area Public Schools is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as Superintendent. 

The Stillwater Area School Board seeks a superintendent with proven leadership skills who: 

• Is a visionary, creative thinker. 
• Acts with honesty and in an ethical manner with the School Board, staff, students, and community. 
• Develops and directs an effective leadership team. 
• Uses curriculum and other resources to improve test scores. 
• Develops trust and works collaboratively with diverse groups of stakeholders. 
• Is a “people person” with proven abilities in human relations and communications. 
• Has knowledge of an experience with equity leadership challenges and opportunities. 

Previous superintendent experience preferred, but not required. 

Deadline and Selection 

MSBA’s Executive Search Service uses an online application process. Applicants begin the application process at mnmsba.myrevelus.com . To be considered for this position, an applicant’s completed file must be received by MSBA prior to 11:59 p.m. on March 13, 2022. 

Contact Barb Dorn (507-508-5501) or John Ward (507-479-0935) from MSBA Executive Search Service with questions.