Becker hired as interim superintendent

New Rockford-Sheyenne's long-time elementary principal, Natalie Becker, has accepted an interim superintendent position with the district.

Becker was offered the position at a special school board meeting on Thursday, May 2, and she accepted a 1-year contract for the 2024-25 school year.

NR-S now has a short-term answer to the question of who will be their new superintendent, after Dr. Jill Louters resigned in March, and after their subsequent superintendent search didn't yield candidates the board was willing to advance to the interview stage.

In a statement from School Board President Todd Allmaras, he explains that Becker will continue in her role as elementary principal in addition to her new position as interim superintendent.

Allmaras also explained the events leading up to Becker's hiring, when a search for a new superintendent came up empty.

"Upon the resignation of Dr. Louters, the school board engaged a professional consultant to assist the board with finding her replacement," wrote Allmaras.

"Following the review of applications and discussing the district's current needs, along with input from the public, the board determined that the best course of action was to proceed with an interim superintendent for the forthcoming school year."

The hiring of Becker for one year will also allow the school board to resume their superintendent search next year, this time a little earlier than late March or early April, which should lead to more applicants for the board's consideration.

"Current intentions are to resume the superintendent search in January of 2025," stated Allmaras.

During Becker's interview on Wednesday, Allmaras asked several questions pertaining to her communication and leadership qualities.

When asked how she'll communicate effectively with community and staff, Becker said she prioritizes face-to-face conversation.

"First and foremost it's about relationships. I have multiple conversations in a day, and some people will say, 'well just send that through a pink note, just send that through a text,' but I don't work that way," answered Becker.

"I want to see someone face-to-face, whether it's a casual conversation or especially if it's going to be a challenging one. ... We have to be honest and transparent in what we do, and you can't do that through a text or a pink note."

Becker went on to state that the needs of students will always be her priority, and that taxpayers have an expectation of transparency and accountability regarding how they're tax dollars are spent.

The board members expressed their appreciation for Becker's willingness to take on an additional role, and each seemed to agree that she'll do a good job leading the district.

Following the interview, a motion was made and carried unanimously to approve the signed contract, officially making Becker the new NR-S Superintendent for the 2024-25 school year.