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St. Paul superintendent Joe Gothard named to same role in Madison, Wisconsin

Gothard was recently named 2024 National Superintendent of the Year.

ST PAUL, Minn. — St. Paul superintendent Dr. Joe Gothard appears to be heading home to Wisconsin.

The Madison Metropolitan School District announced Monday that Gothard has been selected to fill the district's open superintendent's role. 

Gothard has led St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS) since 2017, and was recently named the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) 2024 National Superintendent of the Year.

“Having grown up in Madison, and having attended MMSD from kindergarten through grade 12, I am excited to return home,” Gothard said in a statement posted to the Madison schools website. “Thank you to the Board of Education for selecting me to lead the MMSD community. I eagerly anticipate reconnecting with familiar faces, while also building new relationships with staff, students, families, and partners who are dedicated to advancing MMSD's excellence. Together, we will create a shared pride in our efforts to make MMSD the best it can be."

The selection still requires approval by the Madison school board on Monday night. If approved, Gothard would step into his new role by July 1. 

The SPPS Board of Education is developing plans to select an interim superintendent and launch a search for a permanent superintendent once Gothard's move to Madison is finalized.

“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," Gothard said in a statement. "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. 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.”

“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, in a statement. “At the same time, we are excited he has the opportunity to continue his career and return to his hometown with his family.”

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