CIRCLE PINES, Minn. – The Centennial District 12 School Board has selected Brian R. Dietz, superintendent of Waseca Public Schools, as its new superintendent. Dietz has accepted the board’s offer, pending negotiation of a contract. Dr. Keith Dixon, current superintendent and head of the district for the past two years, will retire this summer.
“We are excited to introduce Brian as the new superintendent for Centennial Schools,” said Christina Wilson, School Board Chair. “I want to thank the stakeholders for their time and input during the interview process. The Board also wishes to thank Dr. Dixon for his service to the Centennial Schools and for his work in leading the development of a community-based strategic plan that has created the road map for directing resources towards priorities and meeting the needs of all students. These efforts will serve the district well into the future.”
An interview advisory committee—parents, residents, teachers, public employees and elected officials— was selected by the School Board. The Stakeholders Interview Advisory Committee interviewed all first-round candidates and gave feedback to the board.
“This was a very comprehensive process to find the next superintendent of Centennial Schools,” said Dan Melde, principal of Blue Heron Elementary and Chair, Stakeholders Interview Advisory Committee. “The Advisory Committee did an excellent job of helping to find the right leader to move this great school district forward for continued improvement. I am excited to have Brian lead us in this endeavor.”
Dietz’ accomplishments at Waseca Public Schools include the passing of an Operating Referendum, creating regional staff development programs for more than 20 districts revolving around professional learning communities. He also successfully implemented the district’s first-ever strategic plan, meeting all of its goals. Prior to his tenure in Waseca, he was the superintendent for the Helendale School District in Helendale, CA, where he also was a principal and teacher at Riverview Middle School. Dietz was also a vice principal at Sultana High School in Hesperia, CA. He has been an adjunct faculty member at Chapman University in Victorville, CA and has served on a number of boards. Dietz holds a Master of Science in Educational Administration, a Specialist Degree in K-12 School Administration and Superintendent’s Licensure Program, and a Bachelor of Arts from Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN. He also received a Bachelor of Arts from St. Olaf College. Dietz is married, and his wife has been a teacher for 16 years. They have four children.
