Grand Forks Public Schools Associate Superintendent Catherine Gillach has decided to withdraw her acceptance of the superintendent position at Hawley Public Schools in Minnesota due to personal reasons. Gillach communicated her decision to the Hawley School Board on December 17, 2023, after having previously accepted the position verbally.
In a statement, Gillach expressed that the choice was challenging but necessary for her family. “It was a really difficult decision,” she remarked, “but what’s right for my family.” Gillach noted that she had not officially resigned from her associate superintendent role at Grand Forks, but she did not clarify whether she would return to the district for the next school year.
Gillach has been a part of the Grand Forks district since 2012, initially serving as the principal of Schroeder Middle School before stepping into her current role in 2018. Melissa Bakke, Communications and Marketing Manager for Grand Forks Public Schools, confirmed via email that Gillach remains under contract and will continue her leadership within the district. “Catherine’s decision to withdraw from the Hawley position reflects her careful consideration of what’s best for her and her professional path,” Bakke stated. “We respect her choice and are glad she’ll continue contributing her leadership within Grand Forks Public Schools.”
Gillach was offered the superintendent position in Hawley after multiple rounds of interviews, culminating in a unanimous vote of 7-0 in her favor by the school board. Current Hawley Superintendent Phil Jensen indicated that Gillach never signed an official contract, and negotiations were ongoing at the time of her withdrawal. Following her decision, the Hawley School District has reposted the superintendent position and will accept applications until January 12, 2024.
The development raises questions about the future leadership of both Grand Forks and Hawley Public Schools as they navigate these recent changes. Gillach’s long-standing history within Grand Forks adds a layer of complexity to her departure from the Hawley role, highlighting the importance of family considerations in professional decisions within education.
