District 742’s New Superintendent Is Excited for School to Begin

(KNSI) – A familiar face in the St. Cloud Area Public School District is starting her first year in a new role.

Doctor Laurie Putnam has taken over for Willie Jett, who announced his retirement last year. Putnam says she is ready for the year.

“I am excited. I am confident and I’m looking forward to a great year.”

She has been with the district since 2005 at South Junior High in St. Cloud, Kennedy Community School in St. Joseph and as 742’s Assistant Superintendent. Putnam says she knows there will be some growing pains, but she’s ready for it.

“I love learning. So, I’m really looking forward to learning what it’s like to be a superintendent through an entire school year cycle. And so, I’m really looking forward to that experience to learn and grow with this team and make a difference for our students and our families and our staff.”

She says the district’s strategic plan focuses on a safe, positive, engaged climate and culture. They plan to accomplish that by partnering with staff, students and families more often to hear their points of view. The district will also use innovation to solve problems as a collective.

District 742 is also working on early literacy efforts.

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