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Brainerd board unanimously approves one-year extension for interim superintendent Peter Grant
Summary
After consulting with an MSBA search consultant and debating whether to run a new superintendent search or preserve leadership continuity for a possible levy campaign, the Brainerd Public Schools board voted unanimously in a special session to extend Peter Grant4 for one year and drop the 'interim' title.
The Brainerd Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously at a special session to extend interim superintendent Peter Grant's contract for one year and to cease the current full search process.
The board held the special session to decide whether to keep Grant, who was hired as an interim after last year's search, or restart a full superintendent search. Barb, a consultant from the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA), told the board that it is common for districts to consider extending interims early in their tenure and warned that labeling a role "interim" can limit the candidate pool for a later full search. She urged the board to weigh the district's needs, the interim's willingness to stay, and timing when choosing next steps.
"It is not uncommon for this conversation to happen within the first 3 or 4 months of an interim superintendent's tenure," Barb said, urging the board to consider district complexity and the interim's goals. In discussion, members repeatedly returned to an upcoming Morrison Leatherman community survey that will estimate the likelihood of passing a levy or referendum; several members said the survey results should guide whether to place a referendum on the ballot and whether Grant should lead any campaign.
Peter Grant told the board, "I will stay one more year and get you a yes vote if we're gonna go for a vote," saying he would lead a referendum effort if the board asked him to and the community data supported it. Several directors said they valued continuity and trusted Grant's ability to manage difficult budget and operational choices if the survey showed the district should seek additional funding. Other directors emphasized the value of running a full search to recruit a longer-term leader.
At the meeting's conclusion Director Donnellinger moved to extend Grant's contract for one year and drop the interim label; Director Ward seconded. The board conducted a roll-call vote and the motion carried unanimously.
The board identified a small set of procedural follow-ups: staff will verify Grant's provisional licensure progress and will consult counsel or HR about whether to amend the existing interim contract or issue a new one for the extended term. Barb told the board MSBA can offer support regardless of the board's choice and offered follow-up assistance.
The special session ended with the board thanking Barb for her guidance and adjourning. The board did not set a final date for any referendum; members said they expect to decide next steps after the Morrison Leatherman survey results are returned.
