Speech Team Competes at JWP
Cora Lehman tackled a collection of 15 stories this season, mastering the lessons and themes within each. When the moment came to draw her story and bring it to life, she performed with grace and skill. While she didn’t move into the final round, the work she put into her craft was evident in every moment she spent working on her delivery.
Elizabeth Karau stepped into the world of a Drama and made it entirely her own. She performed with a depth that invited the audience into her character’s journey, carrying that performance through to the finals. Her dedication earned her 5th place in a room full of talent.
Our senior, Nathan Barbosa, took the stage one last time this weekend in the Prose category. After five months of pouring his heart into writing and refining his script, Nathan delivered a performance that truly emphasized his growth and dedication. Though he didn’t move on to the final round in a very tough field of competitors, we couldn’t be prouder of the work he put in to make his final MSHSL appearance so meaningful.
As we finish this MSHSL speech season, saying I am proud of this team would be an understatement. These students have poured months of dedication into their craft, but more importantly, they have conducted themselves with remarkable strength and integrity. Watching them transform critical feedback into fuel for growth—approaching every judge’s critique with grace and every round with renewed competitive spirit—has been the true highlight of the year. They have not only become better speakers; they have become leaders.
Chalina Forstner, Advisor
Thank you to Pioneer Bank for being the MES Healthy Snack Cart Sponsor for April!
Thank you to Pioneer Bank for donating $1500 toward the MES Healthy Snack Cart.
Superintendent Position Offered to Karla Beck
On April 7, the Madelia Board of Education interviewed five semi-finalist candidates for the Superintendent position. Each candidate was provided a tour of the community and facilities, interviewed by a team of staff and community members and also interviewed by the school board. After discussion and deliberations, the board voted to offer the position to Mrs. Karla Beck for the 2026-2027 School Year. Pending negotiations with Karla, the contract will be presented for approval at the April 16 board meeting.
Superintendent Finalists Named
Madelia Public School District Announces Superintendent Finalists
The Madelia Public School District is working with the South Central Service Cooperative to recruit a new superintendent. The district received 13 applications for the position. Following a comprehensive review process, pre-interview with the SCSC recruiters, the school board has selected five candidates with diverse leadership experience in education during a Special Board of Education meeting on April 1.
Finalists Include:
Brad Johnson
Johnson currently serves as superintendent at RCW Schools, where he has held the role for two years. He previously served four years as superintendent and PK–6 principal at McGregor Schools, along with 16 years as a principal in Benson Schools at both the elementary and middle school levels. He holds a master’s degree in educational leadership and has completed a superintendent licensure program. Johnson is licensed as a district superintendent, K–12 principal, and secondary mathematics teacher.
Corinna Erickson
Erickson brings over a decade of administrative experience, including 13 years as a PreK–12 principal at Breckenridge Public Schools. She also served as a principal at Hills-Beaver Creek and has 18 years of classroom teaching experience, including time in Texas. Erickson holds a master’s degree in special education and an educational specialist degree, along with superintendent licensure. She is licensed in administration and special education.
Christina Mattson
Mattson currently serves as a middle school principal in Owatonna and previously worked as an assistant high school principal in Mankato. Her background also includes eight years as a special education teacher. She holds a master’s degree in special education and has completed superintendent and principal licensure programs. Her licensure includes district superintendent, K–12 principal, and special education areas.
Karla Beck
Beck is the current Director of Teaching and Learning at Redwood Area Schools and has prior experience as a principal at multiple levels in St. James and Butterfield-Odin. Earlier in her career, she taught music, including four years in Madelia. She holds a specialist degree in educational leadership and a master’s degree in music education, along with superintendent licensure.
Michelle Mortenson
Mortenson brings extensive superintendent experience, having served in leadership roles in South Dakota and multiple Minnesota districts, including Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart, Renville County West, and Ivanhoe. She holds a doctorate in education and has over 30 years of experience in education, including 14 years as an elementary teacher. She is licensed as a district superintendent and K–12 principal.
The district invites community members, staff, and families to participate in the next phase of the selection process, which will include opportunities to sit in and listen to the interview sessions. At the end of each session, written feedback can be given to the SCSC representative for the Board to review. In addition, there is a closed interview group with representation from staff, parents, and community members who will also provide feedback to the Board of Education.
The public may attend the Board interview sessions that will take place on April 7 in the high school auditorium. If you are attending any of the interviews, please enter through door 1 (use the doorbell) and report to the office to sign in during the first three sessions.
The candidate interview times are as follows:
- Michelle Mortensen – 12:30 pm
- Corinna Erickson – 1:45 pm
- Christina Mattson – 3:00 pm
- Brad Johnson – 4:15 pm
- Karla Beck – 7:00 pm
A Special Board of Education meeting will begin at 8:15 pm to review the combined community committee feedback forms, complete their own desired characteristics point form and total them. After review of all written input materials, the Board has open discussion about who to invite for a Round Two interview or to offer the position.
