The Brainerd School Board has unanimously selected three finalists to return for a second interview for the school district’s superintendent position. The finalists are:

•  Chip Rankin, Superintendent, Minnewaska Area Schools, MN
•  Dr. Mike Neubeck, Interim Superintendent, Jackson County Central Public Schools, MN

The third finalist, Dr. James Wagner, declined the board’s invitation for a second interview.

The finalists were selected from a pool of applicants based on criteria established by the school board and input provided through the public survey. Five applicants were interviewed on Monday, February 2, and Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The school board has scheduled interviews for the finalists beginning at 2 PM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

All interviews will be held at the Washington Educational Services Building (804 Oak Street) and are open to the public.