Brainerd board votes to engage MSBA for superintendent search; board to prep community input

The Brainerd School Board voted Sept. 23 to authorize district administration to engage the Minnesota School Boards Association to support the district’s upcoming superintendent search.

The board’s motion directs staff to place the district on MSBA’s calendar and begin preparatory work, including drafting candidate questionnaires and planning community input. Director Edmond moved the engagement; Director Donnellinger seconded the motion and it carried.

Why it matters: The superintendent search will determine the district’s next chief executive and instructional leader. MSBA provides recruiting, vetting and process-management services, including community surveys, candidate outreach and background checks that many districts rely on for legal and procedural consistency.

Board discussion: Some board members asked whether internal candidates should be considered before a full external search or whether the board could run portions of the process in‑house to save costs. Several directors and staff cited MSBA’s capacity to manage application volumes, guarantee recruitment and perform vetting as reasons to use the service. Board members also agreed to begin internal work now — drafting questions and planning community forums — so the process is ready when MSBA begins active recruiting in late fall and winter.

Timing: Board members noted MSBA’s experience that many applicants submit materials during the Christmas and New Year holidays and said the district should be prepared to launch outreach in that window.

Ending: The board’s motion authorizes immediate engagement with MSBA and asks administration to prepare materials for a search process that will include community input and multiple board‑level decisions.