Minnesota’s Joe Gothard Named 2024 AASA National Superintendent of the Year®

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
James Minichello
703-774-6953
jminichello@aasa.org

San Diego, Calif. – Feb. 15, 2024 – Joe Gothard, superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools in St. Paul, Minn., has been named the 2024 AASA National Superintendent of the Year®. Today’s announcement came at the National Conference on Education, hosted by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

VIDEO: Click here to see the National Superintendent of the Year® announcement and remarks. 

Now in its 37th year, the National Superintendent of the Year® program is co-sponsored by AASA, Corebridge Financial and First Student, and celebrates the contributions and leadership of public school superintendents. ­

The other National Superintendent of the Year® finalists were:

• Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball Independent School District, Tomball, Texas
• Kimberly Rizzo Saunders, Contoocook Valley School District, Peterborough, N.H.
• Frederick Williams, Dublin City Schools, Dublin, Ga.

“So many people have supported me throughout my career. I truly feel it’s recognition of the many people behind the scenes who have made sure that I can be the best that I can be and who continue to support me to this day,” said Gothard, when asked in January what it means to be a National Superintendent of the Year® finalist. “It really does represent our students, our staff, our parents and the wonderful community partners. It’s a wonderful, collective recognition for our entire community.”

“Corebridge Financial is honored to support this program and its recognition of the tireless work being done by school superintendents on behalf of the students they serve.”

“Congratulations to Joe Gothard, an outstanding leader in public education who has made an immense impact on the learning communities of Saint Paul Public Schools and the entire nation,” said Terri Fiedler, president of retirement services, Corebridge Financial. “Corebridge Financial is honored to support this program and its recognition of the tireless work being done by school superintendents on behalf of the students they serve. We thank this year’s finalists as well as all of the State Superintendents of the Year for their commitment to building the future of our country.”

“It is our great pleasure to congratulate Joe Gothard, the 2024 National Superintendent of the Year®,” said John Kenning, CEO and president, First Student. “We know how vital superintendents are in helping students achieve their full potential. Superintendent Gothard and our three other finalists selected for this prestigious recognition represent the hallmark of education excellence, ensuring students in their communities receive the foundation needed to lead productive and successful lives. First Student is proud to partner with AASA as we celebrate the immeasurable contributions these leaders are creating to foster a positive learning environment and an exceptional experience in our classrooms.”

“At a time when America is crying out for innovative thinkers who can bring America’s public schools to greater heights in a post-COVID world, it is an honor to congratulate Joe Gothard of Minnesota as the 2024 National Superintendent of the Year®,” said David R. Schuler, executive director, AASA. “Joe as well as our other three finalists, Superintendents Martha Salazar-Zamora, Kimberly Rizzo Saunders and Frederick Williams, are future-driven and forward leading ambassadors in their respective learning communities and are empowering their students and staff who are leading us into the future. I thank Corebridge Financial and First Student for supporting our program.”  

“First Student is proud to partner with AASA as we celebrate the immeasurable contributions these leaders are creating to foster a positive learning environment and an exceptional experience in our classrooms.”

The AASA National Superintendent of the Year® program is open to all United States superintendents who plan to continue in the profession. The program also honors Canadian and other international school superintendents. The applicants were measured against the following criteria:

• Leadership for learning – creativity in successfully meeting the needs of students in the school system;
• Communication – 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; and
• Community involvement – active participation in local community activities and an understanding of regional, national and international issues.

A $10,000 college scholarship will be presented in the name of the 2024 AASA National Superintendent of the Year® to a student attending the high school from which the superintendent graduated, or the school now serving the same area.

For more information about the program, contact Jennifer Rooney, AASA senior director, meetings and awards, at jrooney@aasa.org. Click here to access a list of the AASA 2024 State Superintendents of the Year.

“At a time when America is crying out for innovative thinkers who can bring America’s public schools to greater heights in a post-COVID world, it is an honor to congratulate Joe Gothard of Minnesota as the 2024 National Superintendent of the Year®.”

Regarded as the most comprehensive professional learning and networking event for school superintendents and administrators, AASA’s National Conference on Education addresses the most critical issues affecting public education today, including Live Well. Lead Well. — health and well-being and self-care; redesigning learning; school environment and culture; school safety, finances and operations; and transformational learning and leading.

For more information about the conference, access AASA's Conference Daily Online.

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About Corebridge Financial
Corebridge Financial, Inc. makes it possible for more people to take action in their financial lives. With more than $380 billion in assets under management and administration as of December 31, 2023, Corebridge Financial is one of the largest providers of retirement solutions and insurance products in the United States. We proudly partner with financial professionals and institutions to help individuals plan, save for and achieve secure financial futures. For more information, visit corebridgefinancial.com and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. 

About First Student
First Student is the leading school transportation solutions provider in North America. With a team of highly trained drivers, the industry’s strongest safety record and a fleet of nearly 47,000 vehicles, First Student provides the best start and finish to every school day. First Student delivers reliable, quality services, including full-service transportation, fleet electrification, special needs transportation, route optimization, scheduling, maintenance and charter services. For more information, please visit www.firststudentinc.com.

About AASA
AASA, The School Superintendents Association, founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders in the United States and throughout the world. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education. For more information, visit www.aasa.org.