After reviewing the applications of 16 superintendent candidates, the Cleveland School Board, with the help of the Minnesota School Board Association (MSBA), selected five to move forward in the hiring process.
The board chose the finalists during its special meeting today, Tuesday, February 6.
They are Dustin Bosshart, 7-12 principal/head football coach, St. Clair Schools, MN; Brad Johnson, superintendent/pre-K through 6 principal, McGregor School District, MN; Jill Louters, superintendent, New Rockford-Sheyenne School District, ND; Scott Lusk, principal, Cleveland Public Schools, MN; and Robert Routh, superintendent, Ellsworth Public Schools, MN.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) and Friday, starting at 4:00 p.m. in the Media Center, the board will interview the candidates. On Monday, February 12, final candidates will undergo a second round of interviews, also starting at 4:00 p.m. and in the Media Center.
The board plans to offer the position to a candidate before the end of February.
Besides being an effective, accountable leader, key qualifications for the superintendent are a track record of honesty and integrity, a demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with the supervising team, and the personality of a ‘people person,’ someone who is visible and accessible to students, staff, parents and the community and who will promote business and community involvement in the school, said board Chairman Scott Miller.
The school board met on November 21, 2023 to plan the new superintendent search. An important part of the process was gathering stakeholder input for the board to consider as it moved forward in selecting the new superintendent. Members of the district had a chance to provide their opinion on what characteristics are important in a superintendent through an online survey.
The job opening was announced on December 14, 2023, and the application deadline was January 29, 2024.
Current Superintendent Brian Phillips is retiring at the end of this school year after serving the district for 19 years as superintendent and another nine as principal.
The new superintendent will begin duties on July 1, 2024.