By Rich Larson
Northfield Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matt Hillmann offered a strong public endorsement of his successor, Dr. Tim Anderson, praising the school board’s decision and expressing confidence that the district is poised to reach new heights under new leadership.
The Northfield School Board recently selected Anderson, currently an assistant superintendent in the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools, to assume the superintendent position on July 1. Hillmann, who will conclude his tenure on June 30, is departing to become executive director of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators.
Speaking about the selection, Hillmann said Anderson was an “excellent choice,” noting that Northfield was one of the most sought-after superintendent positions in Minnesota this year. According to Hillmann, 19 candidates applied, a testament to the district’s reputation for academic excellence and strong community support.
“People don’t just want the job here,” Hillmann said. “They want to be part of this community.” He emphasized that Anderson and his wife, both St. Olaf College graduates, are eager to return to Northfield and invest themselves in the district beyond the professional role.
Hillmann highlighted Anderson’s breadth of experience, which includes work as a middle school principal in Edina, leadership roles in districts such as St. Anthony–New Brighton and Bloomington, and his current position overseeing academic services, human resources, and operations in Prior Lake-Savage. That wide-ranging background, Hillmann said, uniquely prepares Anderson to lead Northfield into its next chapter.
While acknowledging the district’s recent successes, Hillmann said Northfield is ready for an “acceleration” phase. He expressed optimism that under Anderson’s leadership, the district could rise from its customary standing among the state’s top 20 districts into the top 10.
Hillmann also underscored the importance of leadership continuity, noting that Northfield has had only four superintendents since 1989. Research, he said, consistently links long-term superintendent stability to stronger student achievement. He voiced hope that Anderson will become the district’s next long-tenured leader, guiding Northfield schools toward continued growth and excellence.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
