New Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Embraces New Challenges in Familiar Territory

Former Osseo School Superintendent Cory McIntyre has returned to Anoka-Hennepin Schools as superintendent.

He’s coming back to the Anoka-Hennepin School District after serving as the district’s associate superintendent and executive director of student services from 2016-2019. More recently, he served as superintendent of Osseo Area Schools. 

This comes a year after former Osseo Superintendent Kate Maguire came out of retirement to serve as Anoka-Hennepin’s interim superintendent.

“I feel like that time in Anoka-Hennepin prepared me as much as it could for Osseo,” McIntyre said during an interview with CCX News. “No one was ready for the pandemic, but those four years as superintendent in Osseo as superintendent has prepared me for coming back to Anoka-Hennepin and has given me a running start to jump right in.”

Anoka-Hennepin Schools Superintendent Cory McIntyre in the CCX Media studio.

McIntyre Focused on Mental Health, Fundamentals at Anoka-Hennepin

McIntyre began serving in his new role officially on July 5.

Since starting, he’s been meeting with teachers, staff and district leadership ahead of the first day of school.

“Long-term, we’re really focused on a few things: maintaining that strong enrollment, strong financial planning–that’s been a strong stability factor for us, along with how do we do better with the real fundamental things: reading, math, science, and also, just overall well-being. Mental health, physical health,” McIntyre said.

He acknowledged mental health is a huge area of focus for Anoka-Hennepin, one of the state’s largest school districts.

“I think it’s more acceptable to talk about it,” said McIntyre. “It’s all about connection. If our students can have at least one adult or more they have a connection to, it starts with that. It doesn’t need to be all that hard.”

As for increased parental involvement and activism — much of it politically motivated — McIntyre said there are certain things the district can and should focus on.

“We always have to listen to that, and be tuned into what our clients — who we serve — what they’re looking for. I think, although there’s different opinions about how to do that,” he said. “I think there’s a shared common goal that absolutely we’re tuned in to doing better.”

Champlin Park High School

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