Slotterback a Semifinalist for New Superintendent Gig

After sifting through 31 applications, five semifinalists have been named in the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District's search for a new superintendent—including current Richfield superintendent, Dr. Robert Slotterback.

The district hired recruiting firm School Exec Connect to review and select the semifinalists, and presented the five candidates to the board of education Monday night. 

Slotterback has been with Richfield Public Schools since 2008, and holds a PhD from University of Iowa. Prior to coming to Richfield, Slotterback helmed two suburban Milkwaukee districts.

According to Burnsville Patch, Dr. Kenneth Dragseth, a representative of School Exec Connect, said Slotterback has a special skill in marketing the Richfield district, which struggles with some of the issues the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage district now faces: A decrease in enrollment and a growing achievement gap.

"Everyone we've talked to said he's the best superintendent they've had in years," Dragseth said Monday. "He's very visible in the community—flipping flapjacks at Rotary fundraisers."

"The head of the teacher's union head spoke glowingly of him," Dragseth added. "He treats teachers respectfully."

See the process the candidates will go through.

Slotterback told Richfield Patch Tuesday that he was happy where he was, but was open to other opportunities if it was a good fit.

"I was flattered that [the board] wanted to interview me," Slotterback said. "But, I'm at the point in my career where I have to make sure it's a good fit for me, and [the district]."

"It’s not that I am in any way unhappy with my situation here at Richfield," he added. "I think we’ve all worked very hard and we've done some great things."

According to Burnsville Patch, the board will go through five rounds of intensive interviews with the candidates over the next two days. The board is expected to choose just two finalists before the week is out. Slotterback said his interview was Wednesday.

Patch will update readers as more information becomes available.

What do you think of Slotterback's potential departure from Richfield Public Schools? Tell us in the comments section.

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