SchoolTalk

Today, at a special meeting, the Fargo Board of Education voted unanimously to offer the position of superintendent of schools to Dr. Cory Steiner. Dr. Steiner has accepted the position pending the negotiation of a written contract.

Dr. Steiner will assume the position of superintendent from Dr. Rupak Gandhi, who has resigned from the position effective June 30, 2025 to open a business. Dr. Gandhi has served in the position since July 1, 2018.

“Being the superintendent of Fargo Public Schools offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of learners, educators, and families,” Dr. Steiner said. “As superintendent, I will have the chance to work with a dedicated and committed staff to help shape the experience for thousands of learners. This role presents the chance to lead the district in developing genuine and engaging experiences within a learner-centered system.

“Additionally, FPS is home to a supportive community with a strong sense of pride. This enables the District to have a real impact on their community by building meaningful and trusting relationships, engaging in authentic collaboration, and creating partnerships to rethink the learning experience. The world is evolving rapidly, and the Fargo Public School District is uniquely equipped to build a system where every learner graduates choice ready and acquires the skills needed for success. This can all be accomplished while serving as a model of excellence not just within the state and region, but across the entire country.”

The Fargo Board of Education partnered with Ray and Associates to conduct a four-month, nationwide search that attracted 19 candidates from the states of Rhode Island, Iowa, Minnesota, California, Arizona, North Dakota, and Florida. Three finalists were chosen by the Fargo Board of Education after conducting interviews with first-round candidates. Each finalist engaged in a full-day interview that included meetings with the Board, administrators, community members, support staff, and educators. Board members received feedback from each interview group before selecting Dr. Steiner.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Cory Steiner to Fargo Public Schools,” Fargo Board of Education President Katie Christensen Mineer said. “A dedicated advocate for public education, innovation, and personalized learning, he brings transformative leadership and a passion for serving staff, learners, and the community. Once you meet him, you’ll see why he was our top choice.

“On behalf of the School Board, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who played a role in the process. Selecting the right leader for our district is one of the most important decisions we make, and it takes a true team effort. The dedication, insight, and time commitment from our stakeholder groups—including educators, community members, parents, administrators, support staff members, and my fellow board colleagues—demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the success of our schools. Your collective efforts reflect our shared goal: selecting the absolute best person to lead the absolute best district.”

Dr. Steiner currently serves as the superintendent of the Northern Cass School District, a position he has held since 2014. He began his career in education as a social studies teacher and athletic director at Rhame High School in Rhame, N.D. From 2000-04, he was a social studies teacher and technology director at Beulah Middle and High School in Beulah, N.D. He began in administration as a principal and activities director at Des Lacs-Burlington High School in Des Lacs, N.D., where he served from 2004-06. He served as an assistant principal at West Fargo High School from 2006-2011 and as the principal of West Fargo High School from 2011-12. Prior to his current position, he served as the Statewide Longitudinal Data System data steward for the State of North Dakota.

Dr. Steiner also serves as chair of the Education Standards and Practices Board, The Village Family Service Center (starting in March), and Rural Cass Special Education, while also serving on the Southeast Education Cooperative Board of Directors. He is an adjunct professor for the University of Jamestown and University of North Dakota.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Composite Social and Behavioral Science in Teaching from Dickinson State University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of North Dakota, and a Doctor of Education from the University of North Dakota.

Chronology of Fargo Public Schools Superintendents

• William P. Burdick 1880-1882
• John W. Cowan 1882-1884
• Emerson H. Smith 1884-1891
• Darius Steward 1891-1899
• Fred Everett Smith 1899-1903
• Alfred E. Logie 1903-1905
• W. E. Hicks Aug. 1905-Feb. 1906
• W. E. Hoover 1906-1916
• Arthur Deamer 1916-1921
• J. G. Moore 1921-1935
• H. H. Kirk 1935-1954
• Hamilton G. Vasey 1954-1966
• Ken Underwood 1966-1971
• Vern Bennett 1971-1999
• David Flowers 1999-2007
• Rick Buresh 2007-2012
• Jeff Schatz 2012-2018
• Rupak Gandhi 2018-2025

This newsletter is published weekly on Thursdays during the school year when classes are in session. Material for publication is due by noon on Tuesday of the week of desired publication.

Email: comments@fargo.k12.nd.us
Website: www.fargo.k12.nd.us
Location: 700 7th Street South, Fargo, ND
Phone: 701.446.1000