The Davis County and Moulton-Udell Community School District School Boards have announced finalists in their search for a new shared superintendent to succeed Dan Maeder who is retiring. Following a comprehensive review process with staff at Grundmeyer Leader Services, three finalists were selected; two accepted the invitation. Finalists are Megan Christiansen and Dr. Michelle Havenstrite.
Christiansen currently serves as superintendent of the Teton School District in Idaho. In this role, she supervises the education, safety, and care of students, while also evaluating administrators and department directors. She led an audit to determine the state of the district’s schools and developed a priority plan based on areas of greatest need for the students. Prior to that, she served as elementary principal.
Christiansen holds a master’s degree in PK-12 education leadership from Doane University and a master’s degree in special education from the University of Nebraska Omaha. She has more than 25 years of experience in K-12 leadership and instruction.
Havenstrite most recently served as superintendent and director of special education at the PCM Community School District. She partnered with the community to create and execute a five-year strategic plan aligned with the district’s vision and values, while overseeing a comprehensive data collection process through surveys, focus groups, and interviews to foster a culture of excellence and innovation. She successfully led two referendum efforts during her tenure.
Havenstrite holds a doctorate of education degree from South Dakota State University and a master’s degree in special education from Morningside University. She has more than 30 years of experience in K-12 and postsecondary leadership and instruction.
As a next step, the board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct formal interviews with each of the finalists on Tuesday, February 11. The boards then plan to discuss the candidates, review input from the interview teams, and reach a final decision soon after the interviews. An announcement to the public will be shared as soon as possible.
The next superintendent will begin leading the Davis County and Moulton-Udell CSDs effective July 1, 2025.