District 197 School Board Chooses New Superintendent

The  chose  Wednesday night to lead the district as superintendent.

Allen-Mastro is an assistant superintendent with Bloomington Public Schools, where she is also chief academic officer.

The board vote was unanimous.

"I am excited about this opportunity and feel I am a good match for what the district is looking for,” said Allen-Mastro in a statement Wednesday night. “I felt very welcomed by the community and staff and had a wonderful day in the district yesterday. I could tell it was the right place for me and I am excited about what we will be able to do together.”

In Bloomington, Allen-Mastro has facilitated strategic planning initiatives including a reorganization of the district’s elementary schools, which garnered community buy-in and unanimous support, according to District 197.

Before that, she was the director of curriculum instruction and assessment for the Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools. She has also held positions as a principal and has taught at all grade levels and at the university level.

 Allen-Mastro was described as an articulate and methodical thinker by the board during the brief deliberation.

 “She responded not only articulately but substantively to our questions,” said Board Chair Mark Spurr.

“She was a strong consensus builder given her work with redistricting,” said board member Brenda Jo Corbett. “She has a strong background in curriculum and instruction.”

Board member David Koziol made the observation that in feedback forms from the community, they referred to Allen-Mastro by first name most often.

Board member Dewayne Dill had picked St. Paul Assistant Superintendent Sharon Freeman in an initial straw poll, calling Freeman the “bold choice,” but joined the board in supporting Allen-Mastro.

“I don’t think we can make a bad choice,” said Dill.

The board echoed that sentiment.

"I’m feeling great about the decision,” said Corbett. “All the top three candidates were superb. … I wish we could have hired a triumvirate.” 

Three Days, Three Finalists

Three finalists forged through day-long interviews Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, finishing with formal board interviews at  each evening. 

Freeman was interviewed Wednesday prior to the deliberations. She emphasized accountability and the sharing of best practices between administrators and teachers during her interview.

, leads a district in the suburbs of Chicago.

Allen-Mastro’s start date is anticipated to be July 1, when hands over the reins. 

This story was updated 12:00 a.m. Thursday with additional information and comments.