Brainerd board sets superintendent search schedule, posts $190K–$220K range

Brainerd, Minn. — The Brainerd Public School District school board on Thursday set a timetable and key parameters for its superintendent search, choosing an application window, interview dates and a salary range for public posting.

Barb Dorn, a consultant with the Minnesota School Boards Association, told the board that the Open Meeting Law and the Government Data Practices Act would govern the search and that "every step of this process will be done in an open meeting," with applicant names treated as private data. Dorn led the board through options for public surveys, listening sessions, search preview meetings with internal leaders and interview procedures.

Why it matters: The board’s calendar and decisions shape who applies and how finalists are evaluated. By setting a public posting window and a salary range, the district establishes expectations for applicants while preserving board control over finalist selection and contract negotiation.

What the board decided: The board agreed to post the vacancy and accept applications from Nov. 20 through Jan. 18; Dorn said she would provide the board with a stakeholder‑survey report at the Jan. 12 meeting, which also will include interview training. The board set a deadline to name finalists on Jan. 26, scheduled first‑round interviews for Feb. 2–3 (starting at noon each day) and set second‑round (finalist) interviews for Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. Dorn confirmed she will join the board virtually for the interview meetings.

On compensation, the board discussed comparative market data and heard HR director Jason Olsen say that districts typically need to "get over 200,000 to have a reasonable shot at getting a good pool." After discussion, the board agreed on language to post a salary range of $190,000 to $220,000 and to include a brief benefits line — "excellent benefits package" — in the vacancy brochure.

Public input and outreach: The board voted to include a public stakeholder survey as part of the search communications and Dorn described outreach channels — district email blasts, the website, social media and ParentSquare — and the option to provide hard‑copy surveys at district buildings. Dorn said translated surveys can be offered but that, in her experience, most responses arrive in English; the board left final survey dates and language options to staff and Dorn to refine before posting.

Advertising and vetting: The board reviewed national advertising options and declined to pay for additional national job postings beyond the Revelus platform used by school‑search firms. The board deferred a decision on paid, in‑depth national background checks until it has identified finalists; Dorn recommended conducting more extensive vetting for finalists rather than every applicant.

Rules for board members: Dorn reviewed standard do's and don'ts for board conduct during searches: do not write letters of recommendation for applicants to the board’s own search, do not recruit candidates directly, forward candidate questions to the search consultant, avoid unsanctioned social‑media "deep dives," and disclose any fourth‑degree familial relationships that would create a conflict. She noted that hiring a relative can change voting requirements under Minnesota law.

Application screening questions: The board selected two required application prompts: a brief vision/philosophy prompt ("What is your vision for the future of public education?") and a resource question ("How do you manage district resources?"). Dorn said answers to those questions will help the board and MSBA screen applicants before the interview rounds.

Next steps: Dorn will finalize and distribute the vacancy brochure, the timeline and communications materials; she will also schedule search preview meetings with district leaders the week of Nov. 17 and host the Q&A session for applicants. The board will receive the stakeholder‑survey report and conduct interview training at 4 p.m. on Jan. 12.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the meeting agenda by motion (moved by Director Randy Heidman; seconded by Director Michelle Brecken; motion carried by roll call). At the meeting’s close Director Michelle Brecken moved to adjourn; the motion was seconded and the board adjourned by roll call.

What remains to be decided: The board deferred firm decisions on national advertising buys and on whether to purchase in‑depth national background checks for finalists; those items will be revisited closer to the finalist stage.

Context: The board emphasized keeping finalist naming close to interview dates to limit outside lobbying and to preserve candidate privacy under the Government Data Practices Act. Dorn reminded members that the board "owns" the process — MSBA advises and facilitates — and that the board will return to negotiate and approve any employment contract after finalist selection.