​What is the P.A.T.?

The job of leadership in public school systems is very complex and leaders might encounter difficult situations such as issues with personnel, parents, communities or school boards. MASA wants to provide our members with as much assistance as possible. Therefore, in addition to the MASA legal support services, we have created the Professional Assistance Team (P.A.T.).

The Professional Assistance Team is made up of individuals who have a wealth of experience in operating schools. The P.A.T. will use their experience to help their colleagues when they need consultation and/or advice if they run into a difficult situation. Each member has promised to treat every contact with confidentiality. The only case in which information may be shared is in the event that a situation is complex enough that a member may require legal assistance, and will be directed to the MASA Executive Director.
Examples of services the P.A.T. provides:

• Answers to questions regarding your role as a superintendent or central office leader
• Advice on how to handle specific situations involving the community, school board(s), employees, students, and operational situations
• Communication situations
• The P.A.T. will always maintain confidentiality when working with our members.

MASA members are encouraged to contact any member of the P.A.T. directly for assistance or expertise! 

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Theresa Battle
Superintendent
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District
Cell: 612-490-7177
Office: 952-707-2005
tbattle@isd191.org
Dr. Theresa Battle, superintendent of Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191, graduated from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science in special education. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in educational administration and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Minnesota. 

Previously, Dr. Battle worked for St. Paul Public Schools for 28 years over two tenures. She served the district in many capacities, including as a classroom teacher, special education facilitator, lead teacher, assistant principal, assistant director for curriculum, development and instruction, principal and assistant superintendent. Additionally, Dr. Battle has worked for Osseo Area Schools, Minneapolis Public Schools and University of Minnesota, where she developed a statewide college readiness program, Ramp Up to Readiness. 

In her current position as superintendent, Dr. Battle provides leadership and support for the education of 7,500 students, PreK-12 programming, Adult Education and Community Education programs. District 191 has eight elementary schools, two middle schools, two high schools and a K-12 Virtual Academy. 

Reggie Engebritson
Superintendent
St. Louis County & Mountain Iron-Buhl Schools
Cell: 218-780-4689
Office: 218-749-8130
rengebritson@isd2142.k12.mn.us
Reggie Engebritson is currently a shared superintendent for the St. Louis County School District and the Mountain Iron-Buhl School District in northeastern MN on "da Range." She has been a superintendent since January 2018. Prior to the superintendency, Reggie was the Executive Director/Special Education Director for the Northland Special Ed Co-op which served 10 districts in NE MN.

Dave Fjeldheim
Retired Superintendent
Sebeka Public School
Phone: 218-639-6979
davidgfjeldheim@gmail.com
Dave Fjeldheim has completed over 40 years in public education. He served as a teacher, 7-12 Principal/Athletic Director, 9-12 Principal, K-12 Principal, and completed his final 17 years as the Superintendent of Sebeka School. Dave has held numerous region leadership roles and continues to serve on the Board of Directors for Astera Health Care and Community First Bank.

Joe Gothard
Superintendent
Saint Paul Public Schools
Cell: 651-587-2895
Office: 651-767-8152
joe.gothard@spps.org
Joe has nearly 30 years of experience in education. He was a teacher, coach, assistant principal, middle school principal, high school principal and assistant superintendent in his hometown Madison (WI) Metropolitan School District prior to moving to Minnesota. Joe was named the superintendent of the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Schools in 2013 and served for four years. Joe is entering his fourth year as the superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools. 

Jeffrey Holm
Superintendent
Willmar Public Schools
Cell: 320-979-7764
Office: 320-231-8510
holmj@willmar.k12.mn.us
Dr. Jeff Holm has been the superintendent of Willmar Public Schools since 2015. Jeff has 38 years of public school experience. He has been a teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent, and a superintendent. Jeff completed the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program and is a passionate advocate for public education.