My wife Kristin and I honeymooned up here 30+ years ago and we have visited the North Shore many, many times as a family over the years.  In 2001 I interviewed for the Cook County Schools principal position but did not land the job.  We both graduated from St. Olaf College and ended up staying in Northfield, MN for just under twenty years teaching, coaching, working in ministry, and eventually I climbed the school administration ladder via Edina, Shakopee, and Burnsville.  In 2013 I accepted the superintendent position for Pequot Lakes School District so we bought a small hobby farm in Breezy Point where we raised Cormo sheep, chickens, and had a large garden.  I saw the posting for the Cook County Schools superintendent position in late March of 2021 and we decided the time was right to try and get to the North Shore.  We feel incredibly blessed to finally have made it to this wonderful community! 

Absolutely!  We have many friends from the Northfield area that visit the shore routinely and we enjoy those times together.  I am surprised however, how many people I speak with from all around the state that have never made it past Duluth.  They don't know what they are missing!  

Like just about everyone else, purchasing a home was a significant challenge but we were very lucky and have a nice home here in Grand Marais.  Also the turnaround time from accepting the position in May to starting on July 1st was very challenging as we had to liquidate all of our farming supplies, equipment, animals, etc...  Once we were moved in and mostly settled, the transition was very smooth and the community has been very welcoming! 

That's a great question.  I probably would be more deliberate about creating special memories with my kids and family through travel and just taking time to play and see the world.  

I love all of the seasons in Cook County, but if I had to pick it'd be late summer and fall.  Once the bugs go away, late summer days are amazing on the North Shore and fall brings colors, cooler days, and the energy of kicking off fall sports and another school year.  I always appreciate when the energy in town shifts from tourists to our local community as school kicks off!