Interim Leader Vogelmann Announces Decision to Return to Assistant Superintendent Role

At the April 3, 2023 Lakota Board of Education meeting, Interim Superintendent Robb Vogelmann announced that he will be returning to his former assistant superintendent position following the Board’s hiring of a new superintendent. 

“When I accepted the interim superintendent position, I truly believed that it was the right move for the district, myself professionally and personally, and I was ready to lead our district in this new role,” said Vogelmann, who has served as the assistant superintendent since 2012. “Now, about 11 weeks into this role, I have determined that I am better suited for the assistant superintendent role than the superintendent role.”

Vogelmann, who has served the district as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent over the last almost 26 years, stepped up to lead Lakota Local Schools following former Superintendent Matt Miller’s resignation. He has held the position of interim superintendent since Feb. 1, 2023 and intends to continue leading until the role has been filled, which district leaders hope will be, “by the start of the next school year or Jan. 1, 2024 at the latest,” he said. 

He reiterated that the decision, which was not an easy one, was completely his choice and that he appreciated all the support he received as he transitioned into the interim role.

“This district needs someone who has a passion for this job,” Vogelmann said. “The position requires someone who is a visionary, a galvanizer, someone with great dedication to looking at new ideas and implementation on how to make those ideas a reality. I believe my skill set and strengths are more of a supporter, a grinder, someone who can help put these new ideas into practice to get them across the finish line.”

Vogelmann made it clear that he “views this district as (his) home” and fully intends to continue leading and preparing for next school year until he is no longer needed in the top leadership role. 

“I am not tapping out to go sit on the sideline and watch,” he said. “I have learned a tremendous amount in these past 11 weeks that will improve my skills as assistant superintendent and help be a better support to the next superintendent.” 

All five board members responded to the news with gratitude for Vogelmann’s service leadership and courageous decision. 

“Your character and integrity continue to shine through, Mr. Vogelmann, and I know you’ll continue to lead,” said Board President Lynda O’Connor. 

O’Connor closed the meeting with a request to her fellow board members to schedule a special meeting in the near future at which they can discuss next steps in the process to search for a new superintendent for the district.

“I think that it is tremendously important that we gather our community’s input during this process prior to seriously considering any candidates,” O’Connor said. 

The special board meeting and any subsequent community engagement opportunities will be announced via the district website when available.