Superintendent
Red Wing Public Schools, Red Wing, Minnesota
Red Wing Public Schools is located in beautiful southeastern Minnesota on the Mississippi River. The district covers 165 square miles and serves the communities of Red Wing, Belvidere, Featherstone, Florence, Hay Creek, Vasa, Wacouta and Welch Townships. District Points of Pride and awards include:
Strong community support as evidenced by passage of three referendums in the last eight years: 2016, 2018, 2022
Robust student activities department
Dakota included in World Language curriculum
Green energy is central to long-term plan
Campus solar garden
All EnergyStar rated district buildings
Multiple student support groups to hear and lift up voices of all students
Values arts and industrial arts education, with dedicated gallery space in the buildings and state-of-the-art equipment
Winger Flight Path program with career exploration activities and senior internship opportunities through local companies
Comprehensive programming for all ages and abilities through district Community Ed & Rec
Founded what is now Minnesota State College Southeast, and beginning in 2023, RWPS students may participate in a tuition-free education and support program
The school district runs its own food service and contracts out for transportation services.
By the Numbers
Student enrollment: 2,295
Licensed staff members: 196
Non-licensed staff members: 188
Principals/Asst Principals/Admin Deans: 4/3/3
Full-time Central Office staff: 10
District buildings maintained: 7
About the Community
Red Wing is a charming, economically diverse Mississippi River town. In addition to the Victorian business and civic district, it is rich in marinas, bluffs, trails and parks. These amenities delight residents and visitors alike, including thousands of people who arrive via paddlewheelers and cruise boats. Additional highlights of the area include:
Rich heritage rooted in the Prairie Island Mdewakanton Dakota community:
Buffalo Project and Tribal Gardens
Powwow Grounds and Winter Camp
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Outdoor amphitheater & golf course
Listed as #23 out of 109 historic destinations in the world by National Geographic
Goodhue County seat
Home to the internationally known Red Wing Shoe Company, its museum and the world’s largest leather boot
Welch Ski Village and Red Wing Water Park
A thriving visual and performing arts community supported by Red Wing Arts, The Anderson Center at Tower View, and the historic Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts
Search Timeline
Announce Vacancy January 9, 2023
Application Deadline February 19, 2023
Applicant Screening Feb 20-March 6, 2023
First Round Interviews March 9, 2023
Second Round Interviews March 13 & 14, 2023
Approve Contract March 20, 2023
Superintendent Begins July 1, 2023
Leadership Profile
The Red Wing Public School Board seeks a superintendent who leads with a philosophy of putting the needs of RWPS students first. Other qualifications include a leader who:
Has proven abilities in human relations and communications (speaking, listening, and writing) across all stakeholder groups
Is visible and accessible to staff, students, parents, school board, and both public and private entities and organizations
Develops trust and works collaboratively throughout the district and community
Works successfully in a diverse environment, and has experience with equity leadership challenges and opportunities
Is able to meet the needs of special education scholars such that they lead rich, active lives
Develops, directs, and grows a high-quality executive leadership team
Is a visionary, creative leader who acts with honesty and integrity in all situations
Previous superintendent experience not required.
Red Wing Public Schools strives to provide an innovative and meaningful educational experience that fosters curiosity; pursues and applies best practice; embraces diversity by respectfully engaging all students, families, and staff; connects and partners with our community.
Salary and Benefits
The previous superintendent’s base salary for the 2022-23 school year was $155,429. A competitive compensation and benefits package will be negotiated commensurate with experience and qualifications. Contract length is negotiable as provided in Minnesota statute.
School District Mission
To educate and inspire all students as they realize their full potential and become respectful, responsible, and productive citizens.
District Financial Highlights
General Fund Revenue: $ 37,695,664
General Fund Expenditures: $ 38,139,622
Unreserved Fund Balance: $ 5,757,845
Total General Fund Balance: $ 8,051,951
Screening Team
A team from the Minnesota School Boards Association’s Executive Search Service (MSBA) has been selected to assist the School Board in securing and screening applicants. The search team will be led by Barb Dorn, MSBA Director of Leadership Development and Executive Search.
Deadline and Selection
MSBA’s Executive Search Service uses an online application process. Applicants begin the application process at mnmsba.myrevelus.com . To be considered for this position, an applicant’s completed file must be received by MSBA prior to 11:59 p.m. on February 19, 2023.
Contact Barb Dorn at 507-508-5501 (bdorn@mnmsba.org) with questions. Applicants are requested to not contact school board members.
Red Wing Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. The MSBA Executive Search Service is an equal opportunity search agency.