Former Willmar teacher selected to be Sartell-St. Stephen superintendent

The Sartell-St. Stephen School Board has selected Duluth assistant school superintendent Joe Hill as the district's next superintendent, pending the completion of negotiations.

"A site visit to Duluth Public Schools on Monday affirmed Dr. Hill's strong leadership abilities and his exceptional visionary approach to education," an announcement on the district's Web site read. "He will be an excellent match with our school district's culture and mission."

Hill, 41, has been assistant superintendent in Duluth since July 2007. He supervises the principals, curriculum, instruction, community education, special education and the district's desegregation programs.

Hill came to Duluth from Alexandria, Minn., where he was a principal for 10 years, for both middle and high schools. He has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

He is also a former teacher at Willmar Public Schools.

At Sartell-St. Stephen, he'll replace Dale Gasser, who is retiring after five years as superintendent.

The Sartell-St. Stephen School District is located in central Minnesota just outside St. Cloud. It has approximately 3,200 students in preschool through 12th grade and is the fastest-growing school system in the St. Cloud region.