Zumbrota-Mazeppa superintendent to lead Shakopee schools

Shakopee Public Schools has named a replacement for former superintendent Rod Thompson, who resigned in June after he came under investigation for alleged misuse of a district credit card.

Gary Anger, the current superintendent of Zumbrota-Mazeppa schools, will step in for Thompson. A police and FBI investigation into district finances during Thompson's tenure continues.

The school board approved Anger after two votes during its Monday meeting.

"When it comes to healing and bringing the people together, that is the immediate need," said board Chairman Scott Swanson in a statement. "Once the potential is unlocked, our administration is going to go crazy. What I believe we need is someone who will bring us all together, unlock potential, lead by physically being there shoulder to shoulder. I feel Gary would do a better job with that piece in a small amount of time."

Anger's contract with the district, which must now be negotiated, will run until June 30, 2019.

In Shakopee, Anger will lead about 8,300 students. The Zumbrota-Mazeppa district has 1,100 students. During his time there, Anger helped introduce e-learning, which in part allowed students to continue doing schoolwork even on snow days.

Before serving as superintendent, Anger was principal of Red Pine Elementary School in Eagan from 2003 to 2015, and he worked as an adjunct professor at St. Mary's University in Winona from 2008 to 2013.

Anger has also served as south suburban president for the Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association.

Beatrice Dupuy • 612-673-1707