A recent community survey has provided valuable insights into the search for the next superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools. The survey results were discussed at a School Board meeting on January 12, 2024, where members reviewed the feedback with Barb Dorn from the Minnesota School Boards Association. The application period for the superintendent role will close on January 18, 2024, after which the board will begin narrowing down candidates for interviews.
As of the latest update, more than ten applicants have expressed interest in the position. The community survey indicated a nearly even split on the preference for candidates with prior superintendent experience: 51.4% favored it, while 48.6% did not consider it essential. Among school staff who participated in the survey, 75% preferred candidates with such experience, contrasting with the majority of students who did not share this preference.
A total of 1,284 individuals completed the survey, which Dorn noted was a strong response, exceeding participation in previous superintendent searches. Respondents were asked to rank their top six desired areas of expertise for the new superintendent. The leading areas identified were budget and finance, collaborative leadership, strategic planning, curriculum development and evaluation, personnel management, and public relations.
Survey participants also highlighted essential personal characteristics for the ideal candidate. The most desired traits included being an effective communicator, problem solver, ethical, transparent, consistent, and resourceful. Dorn observed that these preferences aligned closely with the board’s leadership profile, suggesting a consensus between community expectations and board priorities.
Respondents also addressed the strengths and challenges facing Brainerd Public Schools. Feedback on positive aspects centered on staff dedication, a wide variety of academic and extracurricular offerings, robust academic programs, and a welcoming school culture. Conversely, the most significant challenge identified was financial issues, cited by 352 respondents. Other notable challenges included declining enrollment, staffing difficulties, student behaviors, safety concerns, and academic performance.
When asked if they felt the survey reflected their constituents’ voices, board members unanimously agreed. Dorn presented three options for community involvement in the interview process, but the board decided that the survey results would suffice as public input.
Board member Stephanie Etterman expressed satisfaction with the survey outcomes, stating, “We got a lot of good answers… and the input aligns with us as a board.” Other members, including Randy Heidmann and John Ward, acknowledged the value of community feedback but did not see it as essential to form separate interview committees. Board Chair Sarah Speer expressed confidence in the survey but aimed to mitigate potential dissatisfaction from community members regarding their desire for input.
Dorn cautioned the board about gathering feedback from community representatives during interviews, advising against asking them to rank candidates to prevent hard feelings. Board member DJ Dondelinger argued for relying solely on the survey, noting that the board, as elected officials, is equipped to make informed decisions based on the feedback received.
The board affirmed its commitment to using the survey results as the primary means of public input. They also agreed to hold a public meet-and-greet with the new superintendent once hired.
The School Board’s next meeting is scheduled for January 26, 2024, when members will discuss interview questions and training. It is expected that the board will finalize the list of top candidates for interviews during that meeting, with names to be made public afterward. The first round of interviews is set for February 2-3, 2024, followed by a selection of two or three finalists for further interviews on February 10, 2024. The objective is to finalize a hiring decision on that date, allowing for contract negotiations to ensure the new superintendent is in place by the end of June, coinciding with the conclusion of the current interim superintendent, Peter Grant, whose tenure began after the resignation of Heidi Hahn in March 2024.
All meetings and interviews related to the superintendent search will occur at the Washington Educational Services Building and will be open to the public, ensuring transparency throughout the selection process.
