Razidlo receives 'exceptional' review

Brainerd School District Superintendent Steve Razidlo received high praise from board members, who met in closed session before Monday's board meeting to discuss Razidlo's evaluation.

Board member Reed Campbell read a statement from the board at Monday's meeting. Campbell said Razidlo received a "four" on a scale from one to five, indicating he has done an exceptional job.

"The entire board is in agreement that Steve Razidlo has performed exceptionally well and has exceeded our expectations in his first 16 months as the Brainerd School District superintendent," Campbell read in the statement. "Steve has shown remarkable growth starting as a young first-time superintendent and maturing into an effective and strong leader of the district. Steve understands the difficult financial times that face the district, has hired an effective business manager and is taking the necessary steps to allow us to stay on firm footing. Steve learns quickly, is compassionate and energetic."

The board's statement further read that board members are confident in Razidlo's ability "to lead the district successfully through this challenging terrain."

Board members indicated that Razidlo's additional focuses this year should be spent on the challenges of students making adequate, yearly progress on state assessment tests and on communication with the public.