Stillwater Superintendent Search Draws 18 Applicants: Report

STILLWATER, MN — More than a dozen people want to lead the Stillwater Area Public Schools system as its next permanent superintendent, according to a report.

Eighteen people have applied for the position, the Twin Cities Pioneer Press reports.

Applications were due by Sunday, with applicants to be screened March 24. Stillwater Area Public Schools officials plan to conduct the first round of interviews March 28-29, with a second round of interviews April 7, according to the district’s timeline.

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Officials hope to approve a contract with the new superintendent a week later on April 14.

Malinda Lansfeldt, who has served as interim superintendent since former schools chief Denise Pontrelli's departure in 2020, said earlier this year that she planned to apply for the position, the Twin Cities Pioneer Press reported.

The Minnesota School Board Association is leading the district’s search for a new leader, which the SAPS board said must be an “exceptional leader” and “visionary, creative thinker.”

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District officials surveyed residents about what they want to see in the next superintendent, asking them to rank the areas of expertise, skills and traits they think are most important for the new leader to have.

Residents said they want a collaborative leader who is experienced with budgeting and finances, curriculum development and evaluation, and personnel management, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion, and school reform, according to survey results provided by the district.

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Less than half of survey respondents said it is important for the new superintendent to have previous experience in that role, according to the district.

The new Stillwater Area Public Schools superintendent is expected to start July 1.

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