Interview with Interim Superintendent Dr. Bittman

The communications team sat down with Dr. Bittman for a chat about his leadership style, his role as interim superintendent, and how he plans to support Edina staff and families.

What about Edina drew you out of retirement?

Not only do I have family in the community, but I’ve had a longstanding connection to Edina over the decades. Past Edina Superintendents Ric Dressen and Ken Dragseth were also colleagues and mentors of mine throughout my career. As for “why Edina”, Edina is known for its innovation, sense of belonging, community, and focus on authentic connection, which are all things that are important to me and are part of my core values as a leader. I also believe this will provide me with an opportunity to learn and grow with the amazing leadership team and staff. I don’t know how anyone would not want to be in this role.

In an interim position, how do you see your role as a leader?

It’ll be an opportunity to set the next superintendent up for success while working collaboratively with the leadership team and school board, ensuring that the strategic plan and things we value most move forward. I think it will also be a good opportunity to hear from staff and families about things we may want to think differently about. I believe my 15 years as a superintendent, along with experiences as President of the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA), and a Minnesota representative on the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) governing board, are some of the experiences that will enable me to provide support and leadership. I’m thrilled to be part of the community (me and my wife moved here a little over a week ago) and embrace everything that Edina stands for. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

Collaborative, supportive, communicative, with a focus on continuous learning and authentic opportunities with students, staff, families, and community to learn more about the ways we can support them. I lead with courage and through service to help others be their best selves and to make our school district, community, and world a better place.       

What core values have shaped your leadership style?

For me, it’s about learning is an opportunity for growth, it’s about making sure that each and every child has what they need to thrive, it’s about integrity, honesty, transparency, and a belief that we are better together. It’s about being a servant leader. We are here to support and grow all learners, and I take that seriously.

What steps will you take/are you taking to learn about the district?

Before even seeking the opportunity to serve in this role, I did in-depth research about the district, and before starting the role, I have begun attending community and school events and meeting with various community and staff members. I’ve begun and continue to meet with students, community members and leaders, and have been spending time at each building with staff and students. I’ll also be meeting one-on-one with every executive cabinet member, principal, and community leaders. I plan to take any feedback I receive back to the leadership team to identify things we’re doing well, how we can do better, and what’s on the minds of the people we serve. I’ve participated in the Core Planning meetings, met with the Parent Leadership Council (PLC), participated in community and student activities, and was involved in hiring Countryside’s new principal. I plan to be deliberate and intentional with becoming part of the Edina community.

What’s one thing you’d like for staff to know about you?

That I care about them — and that I recognize that the work they do and the commitment they have to our students, families, community, and each other is what makes Edina special.

What’s one thing you’d like for families to know about you?

I am grateful that they trust me to be part of their children's lives on a day to day basis and that I, and we, will do everything we can to take care of their children well and to make sure, in partnership, that they have amazing opportunities to prepare them for life beyond Edina public schools.

Edina School Board Chair Karen Gabler shared, "We are pleased to welcome Dr. Dan Bittman as the interim superintendent of Edina Public Schools. With over 30 years of experience in public education, including 15 years as an award-winning superintendent, Dr. Bittman brings a deep and consistent commitment to student success. His leadership will help advance our mission of educational excellence for each and every Edina Public Schools student.”

“Known for his collaborative leadership style, authentic engagement, and unwavering integrity, Dr. Bittman is a trusted and respected voice in public education. We are confident that his leadership will bring stability, support, and continued momentum for both our students and staff."