October 18, 2023
The Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) has named Dr. Joe Gothard, Superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS), the 2024 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year. As the Minnesota honoree, Dr. Gothard is a candidate among other state recipients for National Superintendent of the Year, to be announced during the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) National Conference on Education on February 15-17, 2024, in San Diego, CA.
Dr. Gothard was selected for this honor by a panel of representatives from a variety of Minnesota education organizations. Nominees are evaluated on how each candidate demonstrates leadership for learning, communication skills, professionalism, and community involvement.
"Dr. Gothard’s selection as the 2024 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year reflects his unwavering commitment to excellence in education and his exceptional leadership in our state's educational community,” said MASA Executive Director Dr. Deb Henton. “His innovative leadership and dedication to fostering a supportive and equitable learning environment have significantly impacted the success of all SPPS students and educators. We congratulate Dr. Gothard, and we look forward to his continued successful contributions to SPPS and Minnesota's education system."
Dr. Gothard has served as Superintendent of SPPS since 2017. Prior to his time with SPPS, he was Superintendent of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District for four years. Dr. Gothard was a dean of students, middle school principal, high school principal, and then assistant superintendent with the Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison, WI. Dr. Gothard began his career in teaching as a biology teacher at La Follette High School in Madison.
