Local News | Wadena-Deer Creek | Zeke Fuhrman

By Zeke Fuhrman |

Wadena-Deer Creek selects two semifinalists for superintendent position

Wadena Deer Creek Wolverines Logo
Photo Credit: WDC Schools

WADENA, Minn (KWAD) – The Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools has selected two semifinalists in its search for the district’s next superintendent.

According to a news release from School Board Chair Dan Lawson, the semifinalists are Thomas Cooper, high school principal in Holdingford and Brad Johnson, superintendent of Renville County West Public Schools.

The candidates were chosen from a pool of five applicants using criteria established by the school board along with survey feedback gathered from district staff and community members.

Public interviews with both semifinalists are scheduled for May 26 beginning at 3:15 p.m. at the Wadena High School Library. School officials said the interviews will be open to the public, though they will not be livestreamed or recorded in order to maintain fairness for all candidates.

The superintendent search comes following the resignation announcement by longtime superintendent Lee Westrum.

Westrum, who has served as superintendent since 2013, announced in April that he will step down effective June 30 to accept a position in the private sector. He said he plans to remain in Wadena and continue being active in the community.

“It has been a privilege to serve the district over the past 13 years, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the board, staff, students and community,” Westrum said in his resignation letter. “I am proud of the progress we have made together in support of student success and the continued growth of the district.”

Lawson thanked Westrum for his leadership and highlighted several accomplishments during his tenure, including the 2017 elementary school renovation, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and expanding technology resources for students.

“Mr. Westrum has shown great commitment to our students, staff and community, and has led with compassion and empathy,” Lawson said.

The school board previously said its top priority during the transition is ensuring stability for students and staff while hiring the district’s next superintendent.