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SAINT PAUL, Minn. (Feb. 26, 2024) -- Today, the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) in Madison, Wis., announced that Dr. Joe Gothard will be their next superintendent. Dr. Gothard was one of three finalists and participated in an extensive search and interview process before being selected for the job.
The MMSD Board of Education is expected to formally vote on Dr. Gothard’s appointment at their special meeting tonight. The meeting will be live streamed on MMSD’s YouTube channel starting at 5:30 p.m. CT. More information is available on MMSD’s website: madison.k12.wi.us/about/superintendent-search.
Superintendent Gothard attended school and spent most of his education career in Madison before coming to Minnesota in 2013. He has served as superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) since July 2017, and is credited with leading the district through the COVID-19 pandemic and his strategic direction in the recovery efforts, including stabilizing enrollment after several years of declines. Most recently, he was named the 2024 National Superintendent of the Year by the School Superintendents Association (AASA).
“Dr. Gothard has been a strong leader for SPPS, and we are grateful for his nearly seven years of service to this community,” said Halla Henderson, Chair of the SPPS Board of Education. “At the same time, we are excited he has the opportunity to continue his career and return to his hometown with his family.”
The SPPS Board of Education has begun developing plans to find the district’s next superintendent, which will include hiring an outside firm to assist with the search. The Board is committed to involving the entire SPPS community in the hiring process. An interim superintendent will be selected to support the transition until a new full-time leader is hired. Details about the transition timeline will be shared as soon as they are available.
“I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the Saint Paul Public Schools community for all that you have taught me during my nearly seven years as superintendent. This district is incredible and has challenged me to be the best leader I can be, both in times of joy and times of great difficulty,” Dr. Gothard said. “As I make this transition, I will continue to devote my full attention to SPPS, our students, staff, and the work that needs to be done until my tenure ends.”
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