At a special meeting held on January 26, 2026, the Brainerd Public School Board unanimously selected five semi-finalists to interview for the school district’s superintendent position. The semi-finalists are:

• Brian Masterson, Superintendent, Hinckley-Finlayson Schools, MN
• Charlie Campbell, Associate Director, Minnesota State High School League, MN
• Chip Rankin, Superintendent, Minnewaska Area Schools, MN
• Dr. James Wagner, Superintendent, Le Sueur/Henderson School District, MN
• Dr. Mike Neubeck, Interim Superintendent, Jackson County Central Public Schools, MN

The semi-finalists were selected from a pool of 20 applicants based on criteria established by the school board, as well as survey input provided by Brainerd staff and members of the public. 

 The school board has scheduled interviews for the semi-finalists beginning at noon on Monday, February 2, and Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

All interviews will be held at the Washington Educational Services Building at 804 Oak Street and are open to the public. To ensure a level playing field for all candidates the interviews will not be livestreamed; however, recordings of those selected to move on to a second round as finalists will be posted on the district website.