Dale Brandsoy, BOLD Superintendent.jpg — Dale Brandsoy, BOLD School District Superintendent

March 24, 2021 05:33 AM

OLIVIA — BOLD School Board will be looking for a new superintendent to help them develop a path forward to address the district’s facilities needs.

Interim Superintendent Dale Brandsoy informed board members at their meeting Monday that he will be retiring at the end of June.

Brandsoy, who is 72, told board members that it was time for him personally to move on to devote more time to family and other interests.

“Thank you for your support,” Brandsoy said. He told board members that they have an “outstanding school district” and encouraged them to move forward by keeping their focus on the needs of the students.

Board members thanked him for his leadership. They have not made decisions on how to undertake a search for a new superintendent to lead the district that serves the communities of Bird Island, Olivia and Lake Lillian.

Keeping the BOLD School District on its current fiscal path and developing a plan to meet its facilities needs are the main challenges ahead, Interim Superintendent Dale Brandsoy says, adding that he is optimistic.

Board members selected Brandsoy as interim superintendent in May 2018. He brought experience from a 35-year career in education as an instructor, coach, principal and superintendent.

The BOLD School District was in a deficit spending position when he began his role. Brandsoy helped oversee spending reductions and win voter support for an operating levy. The levy measure was approved by a 60-vote margin.

See related story: BOLD School supports operating levy

Brandsoy told the West Central Tribune that keeping the district on its current fiscal path and developing a plan to meet its facilities needs are the main challenges ahead. He is optimistic.
Although voters overwhelmingly rejected a $62.6 million bond question in a February referendum, he said most district residents agree there is a need to do something.

“Overall, everybody says they need something. They are not sure what that is yet,” he said.

See related story: BOLD School Board seeks path forward on massive facilities needs after $62.6M bond rejected

The superintendent said the district faced a difficult challenge bringing the bond issue to voters during the COVID-19 pandemic. It prevented board members from holding public meetings and having the one-on-one conversations that are so important, he said.
“I’ve enjoyed it,” said Brandsoy of his time with BOLD. “(It’s) been a good group to work with. Yes, there’s been some hurdles. We got over them.”