The Albert Lea Public School District board voted unanimously, 7-0, at a special meeting to extend an employment contract for an interim superintendent to David Krenz, contingent on a mutually agreed employment agreement and a criminal background check acceptable to the board.

Board members said the district interviewed two finalists and selected Krenz because he knows the district, has prior superintendent experience and can mentor recently appointed leaders. "We had 2 candidates that we interviewed yesterday and they were both very good candidates," said Angie, a board member who interviewed both finalists. "I think all 3 of us had stated we really would be happy with either option." The board chose Krenz, the members said, because he already understands the district and would be able to start with momentum.

The motion approved by the board directs district staff to negotiate a written contract with Krenz. The motion, as stated at the meeting, made the extension contingent on a mutually agreed employment agreement and completion of an acceptable criminal background check. Board members described a tentative contract framework discussed during the meeting: a defined set of days from January through May (board members mentioned a possible range of roughly 50–60 days), a daily rate for those days and a weekly stipend to offset travel and technology expenses for commuting.

Board members and staff said the interim's role is intended to be transitional and supportive rather than to introduce major new initiatives. Board members said Krenz emphasized helping current leaders and onboarding a forthcoming full‑time superintendent so that person can "hit the ground running." No internal candidates were nominated for the interim position.

Next steps listed during the meeting are for district staff (named during the meeting as Paul and Ashley) to negotiate final terms with Krenz and return a signed agreement. The board president (presiding officer) said an announcement will be made about when Krenz will begin being present in the district once negotiations are complete.

Votes at a glance: motion to extend an employment contract for the position of interim superintendent to David Krenz, contingent on mutually agreed terms and an acceptable criminal background check — passed, 7 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain.

The meeting closed after the vote; the board instructed staff to finalize the employment agreement and arrange a start date once checks and negotiations are complete.