St. Cloud Area School District makes administrative changes for 23-24 school year

Abdulla Gaafarelkhalifa, St. Cloud Times
·2 min read

On Tuesday, superintendent Laurie Putnam announced administrative and organizational changes within thedistrict for the 2023-2024 school year.

According to their media release, the changes "align resources to the district’s strategic plan and focus on improving student outcomes while also taking into consideration year-end retirements and resignations." Administrative changes go into effect July 1.

With savings in reductions at executive, director and coordinator positions, the district is committing to a reduction in kindergarten class size ranges for next year from 2022-2024 to 2018-2021.

"We know class size is one important factor in changing academic outcomes and supporting our students and staff." Putnam said. "Our initial priority is to provide additional allocations for our youngest learners. However, we hope for additional resource allocations from the state to lower class sizes in other grades in the future."

Administrative Appointments

Jason Harris has been appointed Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education. Harris has more than 20 years of experience as an educational leader and joined St. Cloud Area School District in 2014 first as principal at South Junior High. In 2020 he was appointed principal at Tech High School.

“Principal Harris has built strong relationships inside our school communities,” said Putnam. “His strategic leadership will guide our secondary schools toward higher academic achievement and increased opportunities for all students.”

Tech principal Jason Harris gives a speech Saturday, June 4, 2022, at River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.
Tech principal Jason Harris gives a speech Saturday, June 4, 2022, at River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud.

Nikki Hansen has been appointed Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education. Hansen joined the St. Cloud Area School District in 2008 and served as a teacher and academic achievement coordinator until her appointment as assistant principal at Talahi Community School in 2014. Hansen was appointed as principal at Talahi in 2017.

“Principal Hansen’s long tenure in our school district provides a powerful depth of leadership for our elementary schools that will support our focus on improving academic outcomes,” Putnam said.

Mike Rivard will transition from his role as Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education to Assistant Superintendent of Education Services for St. Cloud Area Schools, leading Special Education, English Language and Alternative Programs.

“We are looking forward to the alignment of these important educational services under one leadership role,” said Putnam.

More: School district 742 strategic planFirst day for students with Dr. Laurie Putnam as their new superintendent

Strategic Plan

Putnam discussed the strategic plan with the Times on the first day back to school for the 2022-2023 school year. The plan's areas of focus include:

  • Positive climate and culture

  • Instruction that produces positive outcomes

  • Innovation

  • Career and post-secondary education options

  • Family and community engagement

This article originally appeared on St. Cloud Times: New appointments announced by St. Cloud area school district