HYA is proud to congratulate Anoka-Hennepin Schools (MN) on the successful completion of its superintendent search and the selection of Greg Cole as the district’s next Superintendent. Led by HYA Vice President and Senior Associate Mike Richie, the search process culminated in the School Board’s selection of Cole, a longtime district leader whose appointment reflects a deep commitment to the Anoka-Hennepin community and its future. Cole is scheduled to begin serving as Superintendent on July 1, 2026, pending final contract approval.
Anoka-Hennepin conducted a comprehensive superintendent search after Superintendent Cory McIntyre announced he would not seek a new contract. The School Board authorized an open search process that welcomed both internal and external candidates, drawing interest from applicants across the field of educational leadership.
A key component of the process was stakeholder engagement. With support from HYA, the district gathered feedback from more than 1,200 residents and community members to help identify the leadership characteristics, priorities, and qualities most important in selecting the district’s next superintendent. The search attracted 10 applicants, with three semifinalists advancing through the interview process. Following interviews and Board deliberations, the School Board selected Cole to lead the district into its next chapter.
Cole currently serves as the district’s Chief Operations Officer, overseeing a broad portfolio that includes facilities, technology, transportation, child nutrition, communications, community education, and safety and security operations across the district’s expansive infrastructure.
His connection to Anoka-Hennepin spans more than three decades. Cole began his career in the district as a middle school classroom teacher in 1995 and later taught seventh-grade English at multiple schools within the system. He also contributed as a high school wrestling coach before moving into school and district leadership roles. His administrative experience includes service as an assistant principal and more than a decade overseeing districtwide behavior and discipline initiatives prior to assuming his current executive leadership role. Upon his selection, Cole expressed his appreciation for the opportunity and reaffirmed his commitment to the students, staff, families, and communities of Anoka-Hennepin, highlighting the district as both his professional home and the place where he has built his career.
HYA was honored to partner with Anoka-Hennepin Schools and the Board throughout this important leadership transition. The district’s search process reflects the value of thoughtful planning, stakeholder involvement, and strong governance in identifying leadership aligned with community priorities and organizational needs.
Congratulations to Greg Cole, the Anoka-Hennepin School Board, and the entire district community on the successful completion of this important search.
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