Not included is a one-time moving allowance of $2,000.

The board discussed and okayed the moving allowance.

“We feel he’s being honest on seeking residence in the area,” said board member Lori Routh.

During a candidate search, hiring districts are not permitted to ask candidates to move to the area, nor to make it a requirement.

At the April 25 meeting the board approved offering a contract to Dr. Goodwin pending a satisfactory site visit to Platte, S.D.

On the site visit, board members toured the Platte school site and surrounding community and observed the operations of the school, and spoke with faculty, staff, and community members to get an on-the-spot picture of the proposed superintendent in action, and his interactions with others.

On Monday, board member John Harrington reported on the results of their site visit.

“I’ve never had more fun!” Harrington exclaimed. “The people and staff were all wonderful. Put yourself at ease, everything was as advertised. It was heartwarming.” 

Before serving as superintendent at Platte-Geddes, Dr. Goodwin taught math, science, and business at New Life Academy in Woodbury, Minn. Previously he had spent 20 years in business management. He has a second degree in computer science.

The NRHEG school board interviewed four candidates before selecting Dr. Goodwin for a superintendent contract. The board was assisted by a group of community members who co-interviewed the candidates at a special meeting on April 15.

South Central Service Cooperative, of which the NRHEG is a part, provides candidate search facilitation as a basically free service for their members. 

Many schools this year are finding new administrators. In January there were 30 superintendent searches being conducted, according to SCSC facilitator Dale Brandsoy.

Dr. Goodwin will begin his term on July 1.