Northfield's Richardson Honored as Superintendent of the Year

Northfield Public Schools Superintendent Chris Richardson was honored Thursday night for being Minnesota's Superintendent of the Year.

In an open house at the , people who Richardson works with took turns giving him praise.

"He ensures that we always focus on the students first," said Matt Hillmann, district human resources and technology director, according to the Northfield News.

Richardson was named Superintendent of the Year in October.

“I am very proud and at the same time honored and humbled to be recognized by my colleagues with this honor,” Richardson said after learning he was selected. “During my 30 years as a superintendent, I have always been guided by one simple yet powerful question, ‘Is this in the best interest of all the students in my district?’ I hope that in some small way I can represent my fellow Minnesota superintendents who on a daily basis strive to provide the best possible educational experience for the children and school districts they serve. Our communities expect it and our students deserve it.”

Superintendent of the Year nominees are evaluated on how each candidate demonstrates:

• Leadership for learning—creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in his or her school system.
• Communication skills—strength in both personal and organizational communication.
• Professionalism—constant improvement of administrative knowledge and skills, while providing professional development opportunities and motivation to others on the education team. 
• Community involvement—active participation in local community activities and understanding of regional, national, and international issues.

Richardson was selected for this honor by a panel of representatives from a variety of Minnesota education organizations.

“I am thrilled the committee has choosen Dr. Chris Richardson for the 2012 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year,” said MASA Executive Director Dr. Gary Amoroso. “Dr. Richardson is truly a passionate educator who works on behalf of every student in his district on a daily basis.”

Richardson has been superintendent for Northfield Schools since 2004.

For photos of the event, head over to Locally Grown Northfield.

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