Leadership Candidate Statement Examples
Thank you for considering running for a leadership position with MASA!
Thank you for considering running for a leadership position with MASA!
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Minnesota’s school administrators deserve a leader who understands the complexity of our work and will fight for our ability to make decisions that best serve our students and communities. As Superintendent of St. Cloud Area Schools, I lead in a regional center that bridges urban, suburban, and rural communities—giving me a unique perspective on the diverse challenges we face across the state.
I am running to be your MASA President-Elect because I believe in three key priorities:
✅ Autonomy & Local Control – Decisions impacting schools should be made by those who know them best. That’s why I stood before the Senate this week to oppose a statewide cell phone ban, advocating for superintendents to work with their communities on what’s right for them.
✅ Collaboration Across Regions – I know the power of working together. From MASA Region 6 to the Central Lakes Conference to AMSD, I have built coalitions that bridge regional differences - and together - we drive real solutions.
✅ Leveraging Resources & Connections – Superintendents and district leaders need strong legislative and business partnerships to make lasting change. Through initiatives like the MN Thought Leaders Summit, I’ve proven my ability to bring people together across sectors to solve big challenges.
I don’t just talk about leadership—I live it. My promise to you? Say anything, just say it to my face. I believe in direct, honest conversations and making sure every voice is heard.
MASA needs a leader who will stand up for school administrators to advocate for local control and the work we do every day. I will lead with courage and clarity, supporting you in your leadership for all kids. I’m ready to serve—and I’d be honored to have your support.
Read more here: https://sites.google.com/apps.isd742.org/putnamformasa/home
I am honored and humbled to be nominated as MASA’s President-Elect. I proudly serve students, staff, families, and the community as Superintendent of St. Michael-Albertville Public Schools.
I began my career in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula following in the footsteps of my mother, who is still teaching at 77 years old. After moving to Minnesota, I worked as a secondary science teacher and later as a testing coordinator, director of teaching and learning, principal, and superintendent. In my 27 years as an educator, I have served in rural, suburban, and urban school districts.
The “Why” (My Purpose):
Before I get to the “what” and the “how,” what I would do and how I would do it, it is important for you to know my “why,” as this is my purpose and the foundation for my actions.
First and foremost, I wholeheartedly believe in our students. It is why I spring out of bed each morning and why I am often at school many evenings. I strongly believe all students can learn and they deserve our absolute best. They deserve to learn in an inclusive environment where they feel valued, welcomed, and respected. I am passionate about caring for, engaging, and inspiring our students to maximize their success. I am energized about the abundance of possibilities and opportunities that the future holds as we prepare our students for a world we can only imagine.
Second, I have a tremendous sense of pride for educators and have a high degree of respect for all who work in our noble profession. I am constantly in awe of colleagues and educators as they work tirelessly to inspire and empower our students. They show up each day and give their very best to our students. They are my heroes and I am proud to walk alongside them.
The “What” and “How” (My Platform):
As president-elect, I promise to work tirelessly for all Minnesota students and for you. My seven-point platform outlines what I will do and how I will do it. If elected, I pledge to:
I am very proud of our profession. I love being a superintendent and can’t imagine doing anything else. I am energized and invigorated every time I go into a classroom. I enjoy partnering with educators and families. I am uplifted and rejuvenated working with superintendents and central office leaders. I am grateful for the work I get to do and am excited about the future of education.
I believe my 27 years of experience in working in rural, suburban, and urban school districts has prepared me to be the next MASA president-elect. I am up for the challenge and excited about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. I am ready.
Thank you for your time and for considering me for the MASA president-elect position. If elected, I would be honored to serve you and I promise to work tirelessly for you and all students in our great state. Our students matter. Educators matter. You matter. And now more than ever … our leadership matters.
I began my career in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula following in the footsteps of my mother, who is still teaching at 77 years old. After moving to Minnesota, I worked as a secondary science teacher and later as a testing coordinator, director of teaching and learning, principal, and superintendent. In my 27 years as an educator, I have served in rural, suburban, and urban school districts.
The “Why” (My Purpose):
Before I get to the “what” and the “how,” what I would do and how I would do it, it is important for you to know my “why,” as this is my purpose and the foundation for my actions.
First and foremost, I wholeheartedly believe in our students. It is why I spring out of bed each morning and why I am often at school many evenings. I strongly believe all students can learn and they deserve our absolute best. They deserve to learn in an inclusive environment where they feel valued, welcomed, and respected. I am passionate about caring for, engaging, and inspiring our students to maximize their success. I am energized about the abundance of possibilities and opportunities that the future holds as we prepare our students for a world we can only imagine.
Second, I have a tremendous sense of pride for educators and have a high degree of respect for all who work in our noble profession. I am constantly in awe of colleagues and educators as they work tirelessly to inspire and empower our students. They show up each day and give their very best to our students. They are my heroes and I am proud to walk alongside them.
The “What” and “How” (My Platform):
As president-elect, I promise to work tirelessly for all Minnesota students and for you. My seven-point platform outlines what I will do and how I will do it. If elected, I pledge to:
- Put Students First
- Grow, Develop, and Support World-Class Educators
- Lead with an Equity Lens
- Listen and Practice Collaborative Leadership
- Effectively Communicate
- Build and Nurture Strong Relationships
- Fiercely Advocate
I am very proud of our profession. I love being a superintendent and can’t imagine doing anything else. I am energized and invigorated every time I go into a classroom. I enjoy partnering with educators and families. I am uplifted and rejuvenated working with superintendents and central office leaders. I am grateful for the work I get to do and am excited about the future of education.
I believe my 27 years of experience in working in rural, suburban, and urban school districts has prepared me to be the next MASA president-elect. I am up for the challenge and excited about the opportunities and possibilities that lie ahead. I am ready.
Thank you for your time and for considering me for the MASA president-elect position. If elected, I would be honored to serve you and I promise to work tirelessly for you and all students in our great state. Our students matter. Educators matter. You matter. And now more than ever … our leadership matters.
Greetings MASA Colleagues,
I am honored to be nominated for president-elect alongside my esteemed colleagues. MASA has been a critical aspect of my development as an administrator. Whether attending conferences to build my leadership acumen as a principal, director and associate superintendent, or more recently as a superintendent, I have appreciated the many thought leaders and mentors that I have and continue to learn from.
It has been a privilege to serve on the executive development committee for several years and as the 2023-2024 chair. I have also enjoyed offering master classes and facilitating the MASA Women in Leadership series. It was an honor to receive MASA’s 2020 Central Office Leader of Year - Metro Area award.
Throughout my career I have worked diligently to ensure doors are opened for each and every student; especially our most marginalized. As president of MASA I will bring that same dedication and passion to our organization.
I believe in the power of collective advocacy and appreciate this key benefit for the members of MASA. As district leaders we are uniquely positioned to bring about learning enhancements such as competency based learning and a vision for a profile of a Minnesota graduate. This will ensure our youth are truly prepared for the next quarter century and beyond.
It goes without saying that our districts must be funded in an equitable manner that allows us to advance innovative learning opportunities including CTE and STEAM, as well as maintain safety and security efforts in our schools.
MASA members have much to be proud of, and I would be honored to serve as the president-elect to help build on the progress for our future.
I am honored to be nominated for president-elect alongside my esteemed colleagues. MASA has been a critical aspect of my development as an administrator. Whether attending conferences to build my leadership acumen as a principal, director and associate superintendent, or more recently as a superintendent, I have appreciated the many thought leaders and mentors that I have and continue to learn from.
It has been a privilege to serve on the executive development committee for several years and as the 2023-2024 chair. I have also enjoyed offering master classes and facilitating the MASA Women in Leadership series. It was an honor to receive MASA’s 2020 Central Office Leader of Year - Metro Area award.
Throughout my career I have worked diligently to ensure doors are opened for each and every student; especially our most marginalized. As president of MASA I will bring that same dedication and passion to our organization.
I believe in the power of collective advocacy and appreciate this key benefit for the members of MASA. As district leaders we are uniquely positioned to bring about learning enhancements such as competency based learning and a vision for a profile of a Minnesota graduate. This will ensure our youth are truly prepared for the next quarter century and beyond.
It goes without saying that our districts must be funded in an equitable manner that allows us to advance innovative learning opportunities including CTE and STEAM, as well as maintain safety and security efforts in our schools.
MASA members have much to be proud of, and I would be honored to serve as the president-elect to help build on the progress for our future.
Dr. Joe Gothard has been superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) since July 1, 2017. He is the educational leader of the school district, which serves approximately 36,000 Pre-K-12 students and employs over 5,500 staff. SPPS is the second-largest and most diverse school district in Minnesota, with students who speak more than 125 languages and 70% who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.
Gothard launched the SPPS Achieves strategic plan in December 2018 to set aspirational and attainable goals for student achievement, guide decision-making, and focus the district’s efforts on long-term student outcomes. In 2020-21, he led the district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring decisions met the needs of students and families, prioritized community well-being, championed equity, and were fiscally sustainable. While superintendent at ISD 191, Gothard led the district’s successful Vision One91 referendum campaign to redesign the district to make students real-world ready.
Previous Experience:
● Superintendent of Schools, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191, Burnsville, Minn.
● Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools, Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, Wis.
● High School Principal, Robert M. La Follette High School, Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, Wis.
● Middle School Principal, Akira R. Toki Middle School, Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, Wis.
Gothard believes in the power of public education to foster relationships, build community, and inspire students to achieve beyond their highest expectations. In 2021, he was named to a two-year term on the Executive Committee of the Council of Great City Schools, which comprises leaders from the 76 largest urban public school districts in the United States. He is also a member of the Association of Metropolitan School Districts, American Association of School Administrators, co-chair of the Generation Next Executive Committee, serves on the Executive Committee for the Greater Twin Cities United Way, and sits on the Board of Directors for Genesys Works Twin Cities and the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, which named him a Regional Administrator of Excellence in 2021.
Gothard received his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in education from Edgewood College in Madison, WI where in 2021 he was presented a Distinguished Alumni Award. He lives in St. Paul with his wife, Mary. They have three grown children.
Gothard launched the SPPS Achieves strategic plan in December 2018 to set aspirational and attainable goals for student achievement, guide decision-making, and focus the district’s efforts on long-term student outcomes. In 2020-21, he led the district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring decisions met the needs of students and families, prioritized community well-being, championed equity, and were fiscally sustainable. While superintendent at ISD 191, Gothard led the district’s successful Vision One91 referendum campaign to redesign the district to make students real-world ready.
Previous Experience:
● Superintendent of Schools, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191, Burnsville, Minn.
● Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools, Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, Wis.
● High School Principal, Robert M. La Follette High School, Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, Wis.
● Middle School Principal, Akira R. Toki Middle School, Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison, Wis.
Gothard believes in the power of public education to foster relationships, build community, and inspire students to achieve beyond their highest expectations. In 2021, he was named to a two-year term on the Executive Committee of the Council of Great City Schools, which comprises leaders from the 76 largest urban public school districts in the United States. He is also a member of the Association of Metropolitan School Districts, American Association of School Administrators, co-chair of the Generation Next Executive Committee, serves on the Executive Committee for the Greater Twin Cities United Way, and sits on the Board of Directors for Genesys Works Twin Cities and the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, which named him a Regional Administrator of Excellence in 2021.
Gothard received his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in education from Edgewood College in Madison, WI where in 2021 he was presented a Distinguished Alumni Award. He lives in St. Paul with his wife, Mary. They have three grown children.