By Rich Larson
The Northfield School Board has selected Dr. Tim Anderson as the district’s next superintendent, naming him the successor to Dr. Matt Hillmann following a special meeting held on Wednesday night.
Anderson currently serves as executive director of academic services for Prior Lake–Savage Area Public Schools, where he holds a cabinet-level role overseeing teaching and learning, supervising principals and serving as acting superintendent when needed. His appointment marks a return to Northfield, where much of his early professional formation took place.
“Returning to Northfield is a profound honor,” Anderson said in a statement released by the district. He pointed to his connections to the community, including his time at St. Olaf College, work at the Area Learning Center, and teacher training experiences at Greenvale Park Elementary and Northfield High School. Anderson said he views the superintendent role as a “long-term destination” and emphasized a commitment to fiscal stewardship, the district’s NHS Reimagine initiative, and student-centered excellence.
The board’s decision followed a multi-month search process that included community engagement and multiple rounds of interviews. Staff, students, parents and community members provided input through a public survey, and six semifinalists were interviewed April 24 and 25. Two finalists advanced to final interviews on April 29, with feedback gathered from a diverse group of 15 stakeholders. To ensure fairness, interviews were not livestreamed or recorded.
Anderson’s contract is expected to be approved at a special school board meeting on Monday, May 4. His start date is pending approval and is expected to be July 1.
In Prior Lake–Savage, Anderson serves a district of approximately 8,900 students across 15 sites. His previous experience includes executive leadership in St. Anthony–New Brighton, a principalship in Edina, and district-level teaching and learning leadership in Bloomington Public Schools. His work has focused on instructional leadership, inclusive practices, school improvement, and aligning budgets and staffing with student outcomes.
Anderson holds a doctorate in educational policy and administration and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Minnesota, as well as a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College. He is licensed in Minnesota as a superintendent, K–12 principal and secondary social studies teacher.
School board officials expressed gratitude for the community’s engagement and trust throughout the search process.
Rich Larson is the owner and General manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
