Allen Berg

GIBBON — The Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) School Board unanimously approved a three-year superintendent contract with Allen Berg Tuesday.

Effective July 1, Berg, superintendent at Glenville-Emmons and Alden-Conger schools near Albert Lea, briefly addressed the GFW board with enthusiasm about his new job.

“Thank you. I left the last interview more excited than I’ve ever been. I’m really excited to be here, really,” said Berg.

He was chosen over three other finalists, New Ulm Public Schools Assistant Elementary Principal Paul Henn, Kimball Elementary Principal Joel Timmerman and Maynard-Clara City-Raymond K-12 Principal Judd Wheatley.

Berg’s salary is $139,000 for the 2025-26 school year, $142,500 in 2026-27 and $146,000 in 2027-28.

Contract approval came on a motion by Emilee Stehr of Gibbon, seconded by George Grosam of Fairfax.

The search process included South Central Services Cooperative consultants Jeff Bertrang and Harold Remme, GFW staff, students and parents who created a profile of attributes they felt were needed for a new superintendent to be successful. An online survey sent to school staff, parents, community and board members was completed by 84 respondents. Multiple interviews were done.

According to in-person and online input, school district challenges included raising standardized test scores, retaining quality staff, more special education programming, more English Language Learner (ELL) oversight and support, stronger new teacher mentorship and more challenging academics.

Berg’s former education positions include elementary principal at Staples-Motley, community education/communication director at Big Lake Schools.

Berg will follow GFW interim superintendent Dr. Kelly Smith who served GFW for a year and served as superintendent at West Central Area Schools, Red Wing and Belle Plaine schools.

Positive news continued as the board unanimously approved of an early graduation request for Ashley Vos, motion by Amy Acree, seconded by Mark Turtle.

“This doesn’t happy very often. I’ve seen three students graduate early in my 25 years of education. Considering her, it’s an easy decision,” said Smith.

“I’m very glad to have this opportunity,” said Voss who plans to study aerospace engineering and is interested in space exploration.