PRESS RELEASE
Date: February 18, 2023
Subject: FNSBSD New Superintendent Selected
FAIRBANKS–Today, February 18, the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FNSBSD) Board of Education met for a final round of superintendent candidate interviews.
The Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Luke Meinert as the Superintendent, starting the FY 2023-24 school year subject to contract approval by the Board on March 7, 2023.
Meinert is currently an Assistant Superintendent in FNSBSD, and has served in that role since 2020. Previously, he was an Assistant Superintendent in the Yukon-Koyukuk School District (YKSD) for one year, and also served the YKSD as the Director of Technology and School Operations from 2013-2019. Meinert’s career in education also includes teaching for eight years. Meinert plans to complete his doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Gonzaga University in June of 2023. He holds two master’s degrees – one in Educational Leadership and Administration, and one in Educational Technology.
Meinert was selected after an extensive national search that started when applications were opened on November 9, 2022. The process included an opportunity for the community and staff to participate in an online survey concerning the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the new superintendent. The process also included eight virtual stakeholder meetings where participants provided additional input to the Board concerning the leadership style of the new superintendent. The Board reviewed the feedback as they refined the profile of the ideal superintendent candidate for the district.
All three finalists for this position participated in a public forum at schools this week as well as today’s final interview. The community was invited to attend these three events in person or virtually, with an opportunity to submit feedback. The Board reviewed these surveys as part of their final deliberation. The Board is appreciative of the feedback from administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members throughout the superintendent search. The Board also thanks Ray & Associates for navigating the superintendent search process for our district.
“Congratulations Mr. Meinert, the FNSBSD is excited to welcome you as the new superintendent, and we look forward to working with you,” said Chrya Sanderson, Board President. “As Mr. Meinert assumes his new role for our district, I am sure the community is looking forward to change. That comes with building collaborative relationships with all stakeholders, as every year our dedicated teaching staff and support professionals endure the budget process and all that it brings with it. With a new leader at the helm, I believe we need to embrace change and a new direction for the district. It's one way we can form a firm foundation of educational excellence for students to achieve academic success in whatever pathway they choose. The superintendent will partner with the Board to find solutions for a solid future.”
Assuming that all contract details are finalized, the Board plans to approve the new superintendent's contract at the regular board meeting on March 7, 2023.
For more information, please contact: Joshua DuVall, Director of Communications, (907) 452-2000 ext.11438, or joshua.duvall@k12northstar.org.
