FARMINGTON — Former Sleepy Eye Public school superintendent Jay Haugen was named the 2019 Minnesota Association of School Administrators Minnesota Superintendent of the Year recently.

State candidates were evaluated on their accomplishments, communication skills, professionalism, community involvement and learning leadership.

Since becoming the Farmington Public School Superintendent in 2011, Haugen has stressed the importance of student-centered, personalized learning. Haugen is a candidate for National Superintendent of the Year, to be announced at a Feb. 14-16, 2019 convention in Los Angeles.

In addition, Haugen was cited for establishing initiatives like a flexible high school schedule and building innovative school spaces.