Superintendent Search

Monticello School Board Selects Dr. Chris Swenson as Next Superintendent

The Monticello Public School Board is pleased to announce that Dr. Chris Swenson has been selected to serve as our next Superintendent, pending successful contract negotiations.

This selection marks the culmination of an extensive, community-driven search process that began earlier this winter. Dr. Swenson was chosen from a pool of 31 applicants and three finalists after a unanimous vote by the Board on February 27.

A Community-Led Search

Our search was guided by the voices of Monticello’s students, families, staff, and community members. Your feedback—shared through surveys, listening sessions, and interview evaluations—was instrumental in shaping the leadership profile and final selection.

"Our community played a significant role in helping us understand what Monticello needs... Tonight’s decision reflects that collective voice."

— Jamie Sieben, Board Chair

Why Dr. Swenson?

The Board cited Dr. Swenson’s strong alignment with our district’s values, proven leadership experience, and a deep-seated commitment to the success of our students and staff.

Next Steps

Contract Negotiations: Currently underway.
Start Date: Dr. Swenson is expected to begin serving as superintendent on July 1, 2026.
Updates: Additional information will be shared with the community once the agreement is finalized.

We want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in this process. Your partnership ensures a bright future for Monticello Public Schools.

Read the full press release here

About Dr. Chris Swenson
Timeline

About Dr. Chris Swenson

Superintendent, Holdingford Public Schools

Dr. Chris Swenson is an educational leader with more than two decades of experience as a school administrator. He is currently in his 11th year as the Superintendent of Holdingford Public Schools. In his time in Holdingford, he has worked alongside the staff and community to expand the educational opportunities for the students while taking steps to improve the facilities and financial stability of the district. These successes have been possible due to strong working relationships with stakeholders from both within and outside the school.

Dr. Swenson is excited about the potential of partnering with the students, staff, families and the community of Monticello. The district is known for strong educational values, a commitment to innovation, and a focus on every student, every day. These values very much align with his educational philosophy and have been driving forces in his professional career.

Previously, Swenson was the Superintendent in Wyndmere School District in Wyndmere, ND. He holds degrees from Concordia College, Moorhead (B.A.) and the University of North Dakota (M.Ed. and Ed.D).

Timeline

Date

Action

November 21, 2025

Identify and contact constituents for input meetings; Launch online survey

December 9, 2025

Conduct virtual stakeholder meetings

December 10, 2025

Survey closes

December 12, 2025

School Board to review and approve promotional flyer at the Dec. 15 meeting

December 16, 2025

Promotional flyer and application materials distributed to interested candidates

January 18, 2026

Application deadline for candidates

January 21, 2026

Search firm will present selected candidates to the School Board; Board authorizes Committee to select up to six candidates for interviews

January 22, 2026

Committee meets to review feedback and finalize 4-6 semi-finalists for interviews

February 19–20, 2026

Committee interviews up to six semi-finalists (after school hours)

February 26 & 27

Finalist interviews

Stay Informed

This webpage will serve as the hub for all information related to the Superintendent search. Updates, resources, and important dates will be posted here so our community can stay informed and involved every step of the way.