Superintendent
Fridley Public Schools
MASA has named Dr. Kim Hiel, Superintendent of Fridley Public Schools, the 2020 Richard Green Scholar. Dr. Hiel will present a paper, “The Influence of Society’s Perceptions and Stereotypes on African American Women Administrators’ Leadership Practices” at the MASA Fall Conference, September 28-29.
MASA established the Richard Green Scholars Program in 2006 to honor the scholarly work and professional development of Minnesota school leaders. The program is an annual recognition of the research, writing, and presentation of a paper reflecting the practice of excellent school leadership. Scholar candidates apply for the program and a subcommittee of the MASA Executive Development Committee selects the recipient.
Dr. Hiel has held the role of Superintendent of Fridley Public Schools since 2018. She previously served as a Principal and then Assistant Superintendent for Osseo Area Schools, and as a Teacher and Principal in the Robbinsdale Area Schools.
Throughout the more than twenty years of her career in education, Dr. Hiel has demonstrated her great passion for equitable student achievement. As Superintendent in Fridley, she worked closely with the community, staff and students to create a school board approved district equity and inclusion policy. In the fall of 2019, Dr. Heil collaborated with the school community to pass a referendum in support of district goals.
During her tenure as Assistant Superintendent for Osseo Area Schools, Dr. Hiel co-led the Division of Leadership, Teaching and Learning (which included the departments of Educational Equity; Student Support Services; Curriculum, Instruction and Educational Standards); and Research, Assessment and Accountability. She provided supervision and support to 31 sites including three comprehensive high schools, an area learning center, four middle schools, 17 elementary schools, two early childhood sites, an enrollment center, an Adult Basic Education site, two special education sites and the Educational Service Center. Dr. Hiel also co-led the development and implementation of the voluntary pre-kindergarten program at eight elementary schools in Osseo.
In 2014, Dr. Hiel was named Minnesota Elementary and Middle School Science and Mathematics Principal of the Year by the Minnesota Principal Association and the Science Museum of Minnesota.
Dr. Hiel earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Hamline University, and an educational specialist degree from the University of St. Thomas. Dr. Hiel holds a doctorate in Educational Administration from St. Cloud State University.
MASA is grateful to Cuningham Group Architecture, Inc. for their ongoing support of the Richard Green Scholars Program. Cuningham Group exists to Uplift the Human Experience, a vision embodying their passion for design and its impact on their clients, communities, and the world.
