GFW Public Schools has selected South Central Service Cooperative to lead the search for a full-time superintendent to begin on July 1, 2025.

An important part of this process is seeking input and feedback from the greater GFW community on what they would like to see in the next superintendent of GFW Public Schools.

Thank you to everyone who participated!

After the first round of interviews, the GFW School Board has decided to bring two candidates in for final interviews in the first week of February.

The two candidates moving forward in the process are:

1. Allen Berg, Superintendent for Alden-Conger and Glenville-Emmons Schools 

2. Joel Timmerman, Elementary Principal, Kimball Public Schools

Jeff Bertrang and Harold Remme from the South Central Service Cooperative shared updates from the superintendent search process to the board during the January 21 meeting.

An online survey saw participation from the community about the strengths, challenges, and priorities for the district going forward. A profile of what the community wants to see in the next GFW Superintendent was put together and used to narrow down candidates who meet the profile. 

Preferred attributes include having strong communication skills, being an innovator, strong financial knowledge, being an organizer and developer to increase programming, and being a part of the community. Other characteristics identified included team building, understanding facilities and projects, being honest and ethical, and having an understanding of diverse student populations. 

There were 8 total candidates, which is a typical number for rural school districts. The consultants recommended four candidates and after some discussion the following four candidates were chosen to participate in interviews:

1. Allen Berg, Superintendent for Alden-Conger and Glenville-Emmons Schools 

2. Paul Henn, Asst Elementary Principal, New Ulm Public Schools

3. Joel Timmerman, Elementary Principal, Kimball Public Schools

4. Judd Wheatley, K-12 Principal, MACCRAY Public Schools

Interviews will take place next week in accordance with the proposed timeline.

Position Description
Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop (GFW) Public Schools is seeking a Superintendent as of July 1, 2025.

Candidates must possess licensure as a Superintendent in the State of Minnesota or demonstrate their ability to secure licensure by July 1, 2025. Previous experience as a superintendent is preferred but not required.

The GFW Schools Office is located in Gibbon, Minnesota approximately 65 miles southwest of Eden Prairie. The GFW School District serves the communities of Gibbon, Fairfax and Winthrop. It serves approximately 590 students in PreK-12th grade programs. There is a new K-12 building under construction, with the intent to move into the new facility sometime during the 2025-2026 school year.

Job Requirements

• Manage school district operations

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• Provide solid day to day management of financial and personnel resources

• Strong communication skills

• Understanding of school finance

• Ability to lead teams and groups of people for the future planning of GFW Schools

• Construction/Project oversight

• Strong planning and logistical skills to move from two buildings into one, implementing new educational programming for a new facility

Salary and Benefits
Competitive compensation and benefits package based upon candidate’s background and experience.

Application Deadline
January 10, 2025 – 12 p.m.

Application Information
Send cover letter, resume, license copy, and a minimum of three letters of reference to:  superintendentapplication@mnscsc.org

Contact:
Jeff Bertrang
2075 Lookout Drive, North Mankato, MN 56003
Phone: (507)766-9637
Email bertrangconsulting@gmail.com