Walz Attends State of the Union Address with 2013 MN Superintendent of the Year

Press Release

Tonight, Congressman Tim Walz and St. Peter Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Olson, the 2013 Minnesota Superintendent of the Year, attended the President's State of the Union address.

"While our economy is beginning to turn the corner, we're not there yet. We must continue advocating for policies that create opportunity and prosperity for our children, and that starts in the classroom," said Walz, a former geography teacher at Mankato West High School. "I believe both Republicans and Democrats can find common ground in much of what the President said tonight. We must work together to invest in infrastructure and education that will advance American manufacturing and ensure our students have the tools they need to succeed in a 21st century global economy."

Superintendent Olson has been with Saint Peter Public Schools since 1975, and has served as superintendent since 2003. With an enrollment of 1,893 students, the Saint Peter Public School District is located 60 miles southwest of Minneapolis, in the Minnesota River Valley. The district serves students in five locations and is an AdVancEd District Accredited School System, the first district in Minnesota to receive district-level accreditation.

"Ensuring our children are able to seize opportunity and live the American Dream is critically important to our nation's future," said Dr. Olson. "Our students need a safe, orderly and caring environment that empowers them to learn and prepare for fulfilling and meaningful careers. Having spent nearly two decades in the classroom, Congressman Walz knows how important investments in education are to our country's economic future and I was honored and excited to attend the State of the Union with him."

Superintendent Olson received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, his master's degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato and his bachelor's degree from Concordia College in Moorhead. Before becoming Superintendent for the Saint Peter Public School District, he served as the curriculum director and high school principal. He is happily married to his wife Judy, a 5th grade teacher, has three children (Travis, Brent, and Stefanie), and 10 grandchildren.

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