EV-W School Board selects superintendent

At a special board meeting held Wednesday, Feb. 5, the Eden Valley-Watkins School Board unanimously voted to select Joel Baumgarten as the district’s next superintendent. Mr. Baumgarten currently serves as the Superintendent and Elementary Principal at Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart Schools.

“We believe Joel has the skills and abilities needed to lead Eden Valley-Watkins Public Schools. He has demonstrated through his experience that he is dedicated to the field of education, and believes strongly in creating a healthy culture with students, staff and community. His focus on collaboration, positive energy, along with his dedication to keep students at the heart of all decisions make him the perfect fit for our district,” said Jay Brovold, EV-W School Board Chair. “Joel will be able to build on past experiences and successes at EV-W, and is committed to moving the district forward.”

The decision follows initial interviews of five candidates selected from among 17 applicants. That field was narrowed to three finalists who were again interviewed in a special meeting last Wednesday. 

The school board will conduct negotiations with Baumgarten, and a contract is expected to be approved by the school board at a Feb. 19 board meeting.

The pending start date for the new superintendent will be July 1, 2025.