Board approves revised interim superintendent contract, appoints interim official with authority

The Lakeville Area Schools Board approved a revised interim superintendent contract and appointed an interim superintendent as the district’s identified official with authority, voting 6–0.

Board members reviewed edits that changed references from "contract year" to a defined "duty year" (the contract specifies the duty year as Sept. 30–June 30). A board member noted the contract language read that the interim would be paid an "annual salary of 250,000 for 9 months," and the board agreed to strike the word "annual" to avoid implying a 12-month annual salary; the change was to be initialed by the parties for clarity. The board then moved and voted to accept the revised contract.

Following contract acceptance, the board voted 6–0 to appoint an interim superintendent as the district’s identified official with authority (IOWA), enabling that person to act with district authority while the board completes a longer-term search. Acting Superintendent Dr. Emily McDonald said the interim (referred to as Baumann in a later comment) will help produce an on-demand presentation about the November levy and support district outreach once they join.

Why it matters: Accepting the contract and appointing an identified official with authority are formal steps that allow the interim superintendent to exercise administrative authority and ensure continuity. The board’s edit clarifying the compensation period was intended to remove ambiguity about pay and duty period.

What’s next: The revised contract will be signed with the agreed strike-through and initials; the interim superintendent will begin participating in outreach and operational duties once they assume their role.