K-M seeks stakeholder feedback in superintendent search

There is still time for residents in the Kasson-Mantorville school district to complete a survey on what they think the district should be looking for in a superintendent.
An anonymous public survey is available for all stakeholders to fill out before Jan. 7. The survey can be found online at www.komets.k12.mn.us and on the district’s social media pages. The survey is available in English and Spanish and hard copies of the survey in both languages are also available at the district office, any of the school buildings and are also available at several local businesses and churches.
Return completed hard copy surveys to any school building by Jan. 7 so they can be included with the online survey results.
The Kasson-Mantorville School Board contracted with the Minnesota School Boards Association last fall to help in the search for a new superintendent following the August resignation of Supt. Mark Matuska, who left to become principal of Jackson County Central High School in southwestern Minnesota. Dr. David Thopson, former superintendent of the Stewartville school district was hired to serve as interim superintendent during the current school year.
Following the survey deadline of Jan. 7, the school boards association will summarize and provide an overview of the responses for presentation to the school board.
If you’re looking to be further engaged in the superintendent search, you can go online to the district website to view a Q&A with the association about the search. That Q&A will be available on the district website throughout the remainder of the search.
For questions, contact Amy Jordan, the association’s search specialist, via phone at 507-479-9984 or by email at ajordan@mnmsba.org.
The school district is currently accepting applications for the superintendent position with Feb. 5, 2024, the application deadline for candidates. From Feb. 6-13 the MSBA will conduct screening, preliminary verification of references, and pre-interviews of recommended applicants. During that timeframe K-M board members will review also review the applications and meet on Feb. 13, to determine the finalists, interview questions and procedures.
The board will conduct the first round of interviews on Feb. 15 and 16. On Feb. 28 they will hold a second round of interviews, select a lone finalist, and set the negotiation process. The board is planning on approving the new superintendent’s contract on March 4 with the individual beginning his or her duties on July 1.