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.
Big Ideas Trailer Visits MHS
On February 26th, 58 ninth-grade students participated in the Big Ideas Trailer career exploration event at Madelia High School. During the event, students engaged in hands-on simulated experiences in welding, carpentry, and heavy equipment oper
ation, and explored more than 26 skilled trade careers through the Big Ideas Mobile Learning Lab and interactive virtual reality headsets.
The sessions were led by industry professionals dedicated to bringing the Big Ideas Trailer to schools across the state, with the goal of exposing students to skilled trade career pathways available after high school.
CTE Month – MHS Grad to Nursing Career
February is Career & Technical Education (CTE) Month!
CTE opens doors, builds confidence, and connects students to real-world careers — and Alexandra’s story is proof!
From High STEP to Healthcare: Alexandra’s Pathway to a Nursing Career
2025 Madelia High School graduate Alexandra Castro participated in the High STEP program during her senior year, exploring a wide variety of healthcare careers firsthand at Madelia Health. The experience gave her clarity and confidence about her future. She especially valued learning from her teacher, Dr. Julius, and seeing the many different roles within healthcare.
After graduation, Alexandra stepped directly into the workforce as a Nurse Assistant at Madelia Health and is now working toward earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. Her High STEP experience — combined with hands-on work alongside incredible nurses — continues to strengthen her skills as she pursues her ultimate goal of becoming a nurse.
CTE programs like High STEP don’t just prepare students for jobs — they prepare them for purpose-driven careers that meet workforce needs right here in our region.
During CTE Month, we celebrate students like Alexandra who are turning exploration into action and passion into profession!
Read Alexandra’s story at https://buff.ly/baVYNDu
#CTEMonth | #CareerReady | #HighSTEP
Celebrating Public School Week!
Greetings,
We are proud to celebrate Public Schools Week! Taking place February 23-27, this week provides an opportunity to reflect on the essential role public education plays in shaping the future of our children, our community, and our nation. It also gives us a chance to express our gratitude for the dedicated educators and staff who make it all possible.
The individuals who serve our schools work tirelessly to ensure every student receives the academic, social, and emotional support they need to succeed. Their commitment, creativity, and care make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students each day, and we are deeply thankful for their efforts.
Public schools are strongest when they are supported by the communities they serve, and we are fortunate to partner with families who care deeply about education. Your involvement—whether supporting learning at home, communicating with teachers, or participating in school activities—plays a vital role in student success and strengthens our schools.
As we celebrate Public Schools Week, let us continue working together to ensure our district remain strong, welcoming, and prepared to serve generations to come.
Thank you for your continued support!
Mrs. Shelly A. Bauer, Superintendent
Speech Meet at Mankato West Results
“Shark Tank” Presentations in Intro to Business Class
Advanced Computer Applications Class Creates T-shirt Designs
Before winter break students in Mrs. Greiner’s Advanced Computer Applications created their own digital T-shirt designs. During break we sent the designs off to printed and when we returned from break the students learned how to use a heat press and made their visions come to life! Attached are some pictures of the process and the final results!
