South Washington County Public Schools on Thursday promoted an assistant administrator to succeed Keith Jacobus, who is retiring after eight years as superintendent.
Julie Nielsen was selected in a 7-0 vote of the school board. Nielsen, the first woman to lead the district, begins her new position on Sept. 2.
“Julie has been instrumental in preparing the district for an uncertain school year,” board chair Tracy Brunnette said in a Thursday announcement of Nielsen’s promotion. “Her deep knowledge of the complexities of the district and the challenges we are facing will allow for a smooth transition of leadership for our families and staff.”
“I am incredibly humbled and excited to begin my next journey with a district that feels like home,” said Nielsen, 51, who has worked in South Washington County schools for 24 years, beginning as a student teacher. “I am looking forward to building and strengthening relationships and hearing directly from our students to better meet their needs.”
An assistant superintendent in the 18,000-student district for six years, Nielsen and the school board agreed to a three-year employment contract.
Discussions about hiring Nielsen began when Jacobus announced his early retirement last month.
Originally, Jacobus told the board he would be leaving in June 2021, when his current contract expires.
Jacobus, 62, cited the coronavirus pandemic as a factor, including his desire to spend more time with his family.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated with the correct age of Julie Nielsen.
