Ric Dressen will step down as the head of Edina Public Schools after 11 years. The school board discussed the search for the new superintendent during a school board meeting Monday.
Dressen has announced that this school year will be his last as superintendent for the district. Dressen will serve until June 30.
"I have been humbled to serve in this leadership position and have been fortunate to work in a community that places young people and their future through education as the top priority," Dressen said in a news release. "I have been honored to work with amazing administrators, tremendous teachers, superb staff, positive parents and a caring community to pursue the dreams and hopes of learners of all ages."
Dressen's career in education all started in Annandale about 40 years ago when he became an elementary teacher. Dressen then went on to spend seven years as the superintendent of Alexandria and seven years helming the Waconia School District before moving to his post in Edina. From 2003-2004, Dressen ran the statewide Minnesota Education Finance Reform Task Force under former Gov. Tim Pawlenty's recommendation.
Since taking on his Edina post in 2006, Dressen has tackled numerous tasks including the approval of the district's $124.9 million bond referendum, which funded facility updates and incorporated personalized learning into the district.
Dressen has also led the Superintendency Institute, a consortium of superintendents and served as the University of St. Thomas Board of Engineering director.
"I cannot imagine a more rewarding career than education," Dressen said in a release. "While I have not yet landed on what is next, I know that it will always involve teaching and learning in some capacity."
Edina Public Schools will begin the selection process for a search firm this week.
