Maple Grove prides itself on its educational opportunities, and the community is home to public and private offerings, which are led by a host of dedicated educators and administrators. The first year in any post can be pivotal and enlightening. Cory McIntyre, who just completed his first year as superintendent of Osseo Area Schools, shares some insights.
Maple Grove Magazine: Use three words to describe your first year at the helm.
Cory McIntyre: Connect. Learn. Solve.
MPG: How often do you visit schools in the district? Why is it important to connect with students and staff?
CM: I work hard to be in our schools each week whenever possible, and I do it for two main reasons: I want to be familiar with the day-to-day operations of our schools. Most importantly, being around students reminds me of my primary purpose as superintendent—to inspire learning for each and every student.
MPG: Which degree has served you the most—master’s in education or bachelor’s in psychology?
CM: I believe my master’s in education through my school psychologist training program has served me the most, due the comprehensive nature of the work to meet all the educational needs of our students.
MPG: What was your biggest challenge last year?
CM: [The challenge included] taking the time to learn as much as possible about Osseo Area Schools and its rich history, what got us to this point and what we need to do next to continue to improve student outcomes.
MPG: What was your proudest accomplishment last year?
CM: [It was] going through a new strategic planning process that will result in a new district strategic roadmap and a plan for the future success of our students.
MPG: Are there any major changes on deck for the 2020-2021 academic year?
CM: [It includes the] launching of our new strategic plan and district roadmap that will set the course for future priority work.
MPG: What’s your “motto” as superintendent?
CM: It is all about relationships. If our students, parents and staff feel connected to each other and our schools, great things happen.
MPG: What’s your lunchroom guilty pleasure?
CM: Pizza!
