Superintendent Kate Maguire Says Goodbye After 33 Years in Education
Thursday is the end of an era for Osseo Area Schools. It was Superintendent Kate Maguire’s last day in the office. CCX News sat down with Maguire to look back at her career in education.
Maguire’s last day on the job is June 30
Superintendent Kate Maguire ended her career as an educator in the same district where she began her professional journey in education. She served the district in a variety of positions, including teacher, principal, director of human resources, director of curriculum, and assistant superintendent before becoming superintendent in 2010. The Minnesota Association of School Administrators named Maguire Minnesota Superintendent of the Year in 2014.
“I am most proud of the great student experience we offer and some improvements we’ve made in student outcomes,” says Maguire. She says the paradigm of education has shifted in the last 30 years. Instead of offering a service and hoping it resonates with students, educators are challenged to serve the ever-changing needs of students in creative and flexible ways.
Maguire spent 33 years in education
“Our responsibility as adults and educators is to understand how students learn and adapt to the contemporary needs of students and our community members,” says Maguire. “We know so much more now about how the brain works, how kids learn and how adults need to interact with them in order to enhance learning.”
Maguire says her job as superintendent has been all encompassing, but always motivating. “There are a lot of really intense needs in our community. The reliance on schools to solve those problems is tremendous. That has changed in the last 30 years, no question about it,” says Maguire.
Maguire also mentioned the challenges and strides that have been made toward racial equity and student achievement for every student.
“For Osseo Area Schools and other districts, sometimes a student’s outcome is predictable by race. So we all have to pay attention to all kinds of different factors to help all students be successful and meet those outcomes,” says Maguire. “That’s what gets me up and keeps me challenged every day.”
Maguire is quick to point to her staff for being supportive and capable.
What’s next for Kate Maguire?
Maguire plans to have what she calls “serious fun” in the next six months. She plans to relax and visit family.
“I can’t sit still and I’m sure I will figure out something to do eventually, but not anytime soon. I’m looking forward to that,” says Maguire.
