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Superintendent Search

Superintendent Search

The Brainerd Public Schools Board of Education is conducting a search for a new superintendent. The School Board contracted with the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) to guide and assist in the process.
 

The School Board met on November 6, 2025, to plan the search for a superintendent. An important part of the search process is gathering input for the Board to consider as it moves forward in selecting the new superintendent. Please consider completing the Community Survey and attending the Virtual Question and Answer Session on Tuesday, November 25, at 4 p.m. 

  • The Brainerd Public Schools Board of Education has developed this Leadership Profile, which is part of a Full Vacancy Brochure, to help potential candidates better understand what the Board is seeking and what Brainerd Public Schools can offer.

    The Brainerd Public Schools Board of Education seeks a superintendent with strong leadership skills who:

    • Demonstrates principled leadership and strong character, consistently upholds honesty and ethical standards in all interactions
    • Possesses a thorough understanding of school finance and resource management, ensuring fiscal transparency and operational efficiency
    • Understands how to build a foundation of academic excellence from Pre-K through HS
    • Exhibits visionary thinking and effectively addresses challenges through innovative solutions for students and staff alike
    • Excels in team building, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and continuous improvement across the school district
    • Collaborates effectively, earning trust and engaging with diverse community groups
    • Utilizes curriculum and data analytics to drive student success and improve test scores
    • Works in close partnership with the school board, providing well-informed and thoughtful recommendations for consideration

    Previous superintendent experience is preferred.

  • November 6, 2025 (10:15 am, Special Meeting)

    Planning meeting – Board adopts search timeline, reviews hiring  criteria, search procedures, and public involvement

     

    November 17, 2025 – December 15, 2025

    Public Input Survey open online and in hard copy

     

    November 18 and 19, 2025

    MSBA holds Search Preview mtgs with district leadership

     

    November 24, 2025 – January 18, 2026

    MSBA posts opening on local, regional, and national websites,  advertises position vacancy, receives applications, and responds  to applicant inquiries

     

    November 25, 2025 (4:00 pm – will be recorded)

    MSBA hosts informational Q&A session on Zoom

     

    January 12, 2026 

    (4:00 pm, Special Meeting – MSBA joins virtually)

    MSBA hosts informational Q&A session on Zoom

     

    January 18, 2026

    Application Deadline

     

    January 19 – 26, 2026

    MSBA conducts screening, preliminary verification of references,  pre-interviews of recommended applicants

     

    January 20 – 26, 2026

    Board members review applications

     

    January 26, 2026 

    (Noon, Special Meeting – MSBA joins virtually)


    Board meets to determine finalists, interview questions and  procedures; MSBA reviews interview training

     

    February 2 and 3, 2026 

    (Noon and Noon, Special Meeting

    Board conducts first round of interviews

     

    February 10, 2026 

    (2:00 pm, Special Meeting)

    Board conducts reference checks and holds second round of  interviews; Board selects lone finalist and sets negotiations process

     

    February 11, 2026

    Board designee begins negotiations of employment contract

     

    February TBD, 2026 

    (Time TBD, Special or Regular Meeting)

    Board meets to approve employment contract

     

    July 1, 2026

    New superintendent reports to work

     

    August 1 – December 31, 2026

    New Board Team participates in MSBA Transition Workshop