Superintendent Search

Forest Lake Area Schools Superintendent Search

Forest Lake Area Schools has officially launched the search for our next Superintendent. This is an important moment for our district, and we are committed to a transparent, inclusive, and community‑driven process. With the support of Ray & Associates, a national search firm specializing in educational leadership recruitment, the Board is working to identify exceptional candidates who reflect the values, priorities, and strengths of our community.

Why Your Voice Matters

Selecting a superintendent is one of the most significant decisions a school district makes. To ensure the Board’s decision reflects the needs and aspirations of Forest Lake Area Schools, we are gathering input from students, families, staff, and community members through:

✔ A Districtwide Community Survey

Available online in both English and Spanish, this brief survey allows you to share the qualities and leadership attributes you believe are essential in our next superintendent.

Your feedback helps shape the candidate profile used throughout recruitment, screening, and selection.

✔ Listening Sessions (Virtual & In‑Person)

Listening sessions will be offered throughout the coming weeks to ensure all voices are heard. These gatherings provide a space to discuss district priorities, strengths, challenges, and hopes for the future.

Dates and locations will be posted on this page once finalized.

✔ Ongoing Board and Stakeholder Engagement

Ray & Associates is meeting individually with each School Board member to ensure that Board priorities, district needs, and community context guide the search from beginning to end.

Your participation—whether through the survey or listening sessions—is essential. The more voices included, the stronger and more representative the final candidate pool will be.

Current Status of the Search

As of February 24, 2026:

• All early applications have been reviewed.

• Ray & Associates has begun targeted outreach to high‑quality potential candidates.

• An updated superintendent posting has been published on the Ray & Associates website to broaden the applicant pool. 

• Position postings are being shared with MASA, MSBA, and AASA to ensure national visibility.

The district will continue to provide updates throughout the process to keep our community informed.

Tentative Search Timeline

February 25, 2026 – Superintendent posting published

February 25 – March 4, 2026 – Board member input conversations

February 25 – March 19, 2026 – Candidate recruitment

February 26, 2026 – Community Survey distributed and posted online

March 5, 2026 – Ray & Associates will provide an update and feedback session with the School Board at the public School Board meeting

March 19, 2026 – Application window closes

March 15, 2026 – Community Survey closes

Late March / Early April 2026 – Semi-finalist and finalist interviews with the School Board

End of April 2026 – Anticipated selection of the next Superintendent

This timeline is subject to revision as needed, but the Board’s goal is to remain efficient while ensuring the highest quality of candidate selection.

What We Aim to Achieve

The Forest Lake Area Schools Superintendent Search will:

• Honor the strengths of our schools and community

• Amplify stakeholder voices at every stage

• Attract a diverse, highly qualified pool of candidates

• Ensure a fair, consistent, and strategic hiring process

• Identify a leader who reflects our community’s values and vision

Your engagement ensures this process reflects the collective aspirations of Forest Lake Area Schools.

How to Get Involved

• Complete the Community Survey:

• Survey Link (English): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BXWLZLX

• Survey Link (Spanish): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BNKTMXL

• Attend an upcoming listening session. (Schedule coming soon.)

• Stay informed by checking this page for updates throughout the search.

Together, we will select a leader who will guide Forest Lake Area Schools with integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to student success.