By the time you read this, the job posting for Superintendent of the Flandreau Public School District will be open and accepting applications.
November 25 is the official posting date. The district will accept applications through January 30, with candidates for interviews selected at the first school board meeting in February. Interviews will take place on February 17, and a decision will be made that same day.
The chosen candidate will receive a call that night, be offered the position, and have just 15 minutes to accept or decline the offer.
Since the 1960s, Flandreau Public Schools have had remarkable stability in this key leadership role. Sylvan Vigness served as superintendent for 27 years (1961-1988), followed by Dr. Mark Froke for 16 years (1988-2004).

Current superintendent Rick Weber has held the position since 2004 but announced his retirement at the most recent school board meeting as his eligibility for early retirement nears its end.
The search for his successor comes at a challenging time.
“There was a time back in the day when the job opened up and there were a plethora of applicants,” said Tom Oster of Dakota Education Consulting, the firm assisting the district with the hiring process.
“It’s much more difficult now to get a deep pool of candidates.”
Superintendents play a pivotal role in shaping the success of students and schools. They set the vision for the district, manage budgets, and oversee staff, while advocating for resources and programs that benefit the community. The challenge of attracting top-tier candidates underscores the importance of finding the right fit for Flandreau.
With several neighboring districts also seeking superintendents, Flandreau must present itself as a desirable place to live and work. Oster emphasized the value of outreach: “When someone calls and encourages them to apply, that kind of pushes them over the edge.”
The district hopes its reputation and consulting efforts will yield strong candidates, ensuring continued growth and stability for years to come.