The school board has been working to replace Jim Bauck, the current superintendent, who is leaving June 30 for Eastern Carver County School District in Chaska. The process began by a subcommittee consisting of three board members interviewing five or six applicants. Of the applicants, three finalists were chosen and took part in an all-day interview.
The three finalists were Michael Munoz, the Executive Director for the DesMoines Iowa Public Schools, Pam Miller, Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose Teaching and Learning Director, and Scott Thielman, Superintendent of Albany Area Schools. Each finalist was assigned a day for an interview that began at 9:00 am and ended at 7:30 pm. Staff and public had the opportunity to meet each candidate and ask questions.
“I think it’s helpful that it’s open to the community,” said Principal Mark Mischke. “The board members can attend the question sessions as community members as well as board members.”
The new superintendent, Thielman, was announced on Friday, June 4. He is from Kimball, MN and currently resides in Albany, MN. The school board decided that Thielman will be a strong leader and has a great deal of experience in education. They also expressed that he is committed to doing what is best for the student. At this time, they plan is to have a contract ready for board approval at the June 29 meeting.
