Dr. Michael Funk has been the Superintendent of Albert Le Area Schools (Minnesota) since 2009. Previously, Dr. Funk was the Superintendent of the Bird Island Olivia Lake Lillian School District. He also served as a high school principal in Pepin Wisconsin. Prior to becoming an administrator, Dr. Funk taught high school social studies.
Dr. Funk has degrees from the United States Army War College (Masters in Strategic Studies 2011), University of Minnesota (Doctorate in Educational Policy and Administration, 2004), St. Thomas University (Masters in Education 1994), and St. John’s University, (Bachelor’s in Government 1988).
In addition to his experience as a school administrator, Dr. Funk served for 30 years in the Army National Guard, retiring in 2018 at the rank of Colonel. Significant assignments include Infantry Battalion Commander in Kosovo in 2007-08, and Chief of the Joint Staff in 2018, in which he was responsible for the oversight of security operations for 600 members of the Minnesota National Guard during Super Bowl 52. COL Funk also deployed to Bosnia and participated in a Multinational Exercise NATO in Greece.
Past AASA Minnesota Superintendent of the Year Winners:
2021 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year: Michelle Reid
2020 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year: Marlon Styles
About the Superintendent of the Year:
As a sponsor of the superintendent of the Year program, First Student wants to recognize these leaders in a special way this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption that has affected all education systems but also the innovative approaches that the superintendents and school districts addressed through radio, television, zoom and take-home packages. These superintendents are the very best in public education and are needed more than ever during this crisis.
About the Award:
The superintendent of the Year program, sponsored by First Student and AASA, The School superintendents Association, pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools.
State level winners are selected on the following criteria:
- Leadership for Learning
- Communication
- Professionalism
- Community Involvement