Minnesota School System Leaders Advance Their Careers by Earning National Superintendent Certification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
James Minichello
703-774-6953 
jminichello@aasa.org

Alexandria, Va. – March 10, 2022 – More than 20 Minnesota school system leaders were recognized today for taking significant steps to improve their schools and advance their careers by successfully completing the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program®.

The program, administered by AASA, The School Superintendents Association, is a collaborative effort with AASA state affiliates, and business and corporate leaders. Through its in-depth curriculum, dynamic in-person and virtual sessions, one-on-one mentoring, Capstone Project and long-term professional networks, the program delivers the comprehensive leadership opportunities that superintendents need.

“In these uncertain times, excellence in leadership in our nation’s public schools has never been more vital to our children’s well-being,” said Daniel A. Domenech, AASA executive director. “In light of the pandemic, the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program® provides superintendents with opportunities to engage in a world-class professional learning opportunity. I am pleased to congratulate these outstanding education leaders for completing the program.”

Superintendents and other administrators honored were:

• Paul Besel, superintendent, Grand Meadow Public Schools
• Simoine Bolin, executive director, Mid-State Education District
• Gwen Carman, superintendent, Lewiston-Altura Independent School District
• Tamara Champa, superintendent, Pine Island Independent School District
• Renee Corneille, superintendent, St. Anthony-New Brighton School District
• Kevin Enerson, superintendent, Pipestone Area Schools
• Erick Enger, superintendent, Lake City Public Schools
• Annette K. Freiheit, superintendent, Winona Area Public Schools
• Scott Hall, principal/superintendent, Southland School District
• Craig Ihrke, superintendent, Caledonia Area Public Schools
• Dean Jennissen, superintendent, Chisago Lakes School District
• Craig Junker, president, Totino-Grace High School
• Wayne Kazmierczak, superintendent, White Bear Lake Area Schools
• Darren Kermes, superintendent, SouthWest Metro Intermediate School District
• Tim Lutz, superintendent, Bemidji Area Schools
• Wade McKittrick, superintendent, Wabasso Public School
• Gina Meinertz, assistant superintendent, Spring Grove Public Schools
• Jeff Pesta, superintendent, Deer River Independent School District
• Jeff Sampson, superintendent, Cannon Falls Area Schools
• Craig Schlichting, superintendent, Triton Public Schools
• Rich Schneider, superintendent, Yellow Medicine East Schools
• Belinda Selfors, superintendent, Stewartville School District
• Douglas Storbeck, superintendent, Granada-Huntley-East Chain School District

“The challenges that lie on a superintendent’s plate can be daunting. That’s why the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program® was created,” said Mort Sherman, AASA associate executive director, Leadership Network. “The program provides a pathway to enhance a superintendent’s leadership and business skills in order to excel on the job.”

For more information, contact Sherman at msherman@aasa.org or Amy Sichel at amy.sichel@aasa.org.

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About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.