A familiar face with state educators and the 2016 MASA Superintendent of the Year will now take the helm of one of the state’s largest school districts.
The ISD 728 School Board voted on Thursday, Feb. 16 to enter into contract negotiations with Dr. Daniel Bittman, offering him the position of Superintendent of Schools.Dr. Daniel Bittman, the current superintendent of Sauk Rapids-Rice ISD 47, was selected after a thorough search, conducted with the services of School Exec Connect, whom the district hired in 2016.
ISD 728 serves students and families in Elk River, Zimmerman, Rogers, Otsego and STMA. It’s the eighth largest district in the state of Minnesota.
That search was narrowed to a field of six candidates Monday, Feb. 6, with the board naming three final candidates Wednesday, Feb. 8. The three finalists, Dr. Daniel Bittman, Dr. Mike Funk of Albert Lea and Mr. William Gronseth of Duluth spent a day with students, district staff, teachers and community members as the final interview process unfolded Feb. 13 through Feb 16.
The superintendent of schools position opened in June 2016, due to the retirement of Dr. Mark Bezek. Bruce Watkins has been serving as the interim superintendent of ISD 728. He will complete his services June 30, 2017.