The first interview the board conducted during the first round was with Proctor secondary school principal, Timothy Rohweder.

Rohweder began his educational career as a middle school social studies teacher and football coach. He would go on to teach for four years until he was tapped on the shoulder and asked to be an intervention specialist in ISD 704 in 2011. Two years later, he became the assistant principal of their 6-12 secondary school. Fast forward another year and once more he would be up for another promotion, this time as the secondary school principal.

He earned his superintendent license from the University of Minnesota – Duluth in 2019.

The second person to be interviewed was Dr. Kurt Stumpf. Stumpf is familiar with the area as he was an administrator at the middle for seven years here at Sartell.

Stumpf started his educational career as a math teacher in Holdingford and then Pierz.  He was also a coach for volleyball and basketball. He transitioned to dean of students in Little Falls for the 2011-2012 school year.  He then came to Sartell.

Stumpf was the Superintendent at Jaynesville-Waldorf-Pemberton and is currently in that position at Pequot Lakes. Stumpf wants to prioritize leadership and relationships if he were to get the job. Along with his past superintendent experience, the school board seemed pleased with Stumpf’s ideas on what a school culture should look like and his professionalism.

The last person to be interviewed was Dr. Michael Rivard. Rivard also is quite familiar with the area as both his children have attended school in Sartell.  Dr. Rivard has lived in the area for over twenty years.  Rivard has a military background and has 25 years of experience in his educational career.

Rivard currently is the assistant superintendent of the St. Cloud School District. He’s spent the last 14 years in an administrative role. Rivard’s goal if he were to get the job is to have great communication and his plan to achieve that goal is to be transparent and available.

Bennett was at the first round of interviews, listening intently. He is an active school board meeting attendee.  Overall, Bennett felt happy with all the candidates despite having a concern or two for each one. Bennett was excited to talk about the search for our next superintendent.

I was also able to interview an SHS senior and student council member Linsey Nelson. Lindsey was very happy about the candidates, specifically Dr. Rivard.

All three prospects received a second interview, and it is likely the final decision will be made on March 11th. For more information on the candidates above you can visit wjon.com.