ISD 191 Board reviews superintendent candidates and schedules interviews amid severe weather watch

The Burnsville Public School District held a special meeting on April 28, 2025, primarily focused on the critical task of selecting a new superintendent. The meeting, which took place under the threat of severe weather, was called to order by Chair Werb, who emphasized the importance of adhering to safety protocols during the tornado watch.

The agenda included two main items: reviewing superintendent applicant information to determine finalists and discussing the necessary steps for the hiring process. Barb Dorn, the director of leadership development and executive searches with the Minnesota School Board Association, led the discussion. She expressed gratitude for the board's diligence in reviewing applications while adhering to data privacy laws.

Dorn presented a draft schedule for interviews, set to begin on April 30 and continue into May. The board confirmed that interviews would not be live-streamed to ensure fairness for all candidates. Dorn also provided guidelines for the interview process, emphasizing the importance of consistency in questioning and the need for board members to focus on candidates' strengths during deliberations.

The board discussed the structure of the interview process, including how to facilitate discussions and make decisions about which candidates to advance to the next round. Dorn clarified that while a majority vote is sufficient for decisions, a unanimous agreement would be ideal for community confidence.

As the meeting progressed, the board members engaged in discussions about the candidates, referencing the importance of thorough deliberation and the potential for a second round of interviews. They also addressed the need for reference checks to be conducted between the first and second rounds of interviews, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of candidates.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to a transparent and thorough hiring process for the new superintendent. The board is expected to finalize their candidate selections in the coming weeks, with the next steps involving further interviews and deliberations. This process is crucial for the future leadership of the Burnsville Public School District, as they seek to find a candidate who aligns with the community's educational goals and values.