Forest Lake board selects Ray (Rea) and Associates to lead superintendent search
Get AI-powered insights, summaries, and transcripts
Subscribe
Summary
After reviewing references and approaches from three bidder firms, the Forest Lake board voted unanimously to hire Ray (Rea) and Associates to conduct the superintendent search and asked for an update at the March 5 meeting.
The Forest Lake Public School District board unanimously approved engaging Ray (sometimes referenced in the transcript as "Rea") and Associates to manage the district’s superintendent search.
Board members described reference checks and differences in approach among the finalists (MSBA, Ray/Rea and Associates, and School Executive Connect). Member Anderson summarized his outreach and said Dan Bittman of Ray/Rea had led more than 50 superintendent searches and "just does one at a time," noting Bittman’s willingness to do contract negotiation work and to meet in person during the process. Member Tyson and other members also reported favorable references about organization and communication.
After discussion about active versus passive recruiting, candidate pools, and backup staffing, the board called a roll‑call vote; members recorded unanimous support and the Chair said administration and the Chair will provide an update at the March 5 meeting. The board asked Ray (Rea) and Associates to vet existing applicants as part of the process and to proceed promptly.