We Are the League Feature Series: Meet Mike Redmond
Posted: Monday, October 21, 2024 - 9:00 AM
Mike Redmond is in his seventh year as superintendent in the Shakopee Public School District. His career in education spans 41 years and includes teaching, coaching and administration. As a coach, he was the architect of the Mahtomedi Girls Soccer program in becoming a Class A power.
Editor's Note: Welcome to We Are the League, a feature series that recognizes the work, dedication and enthusiasm of individuals who are essential in making opportunities within the Minnesota State High School League a truly great experience for all. During this series, you will meet an incredible array of individuals who will share their journeys through education-based activities. The League hopes you enjoy this recognition series.
Current role and career path
- I am in my seventh year of serving Shakopee Public Schools in the role of superintendent. Before that, I was the superintendent for six years in Goodhue. My journey as an educator began 41 years ago, during my freshman year attending the University of Minnesota, when I started working in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul at St. Columba grade school as a tech support, playground supervisor, basketball coach, softball coach and soccer coach. From there, I was an assistant basketball coach at St. Agnes and Mahtomedi high schools, and an assistant soccer coach at St. Thomas Academy. From 1990-93, I was the head coach for Al Wehda Club in the Bahrain Basketball Association while teaching at Ibn Khuldoon National School. Upon returning to Mahtomedi High School in 1993, I then taught high school Social Studies and served as the varsity boys basketball coach for 13 years, and served as the varsity girls soccer coach for 14 years. After this extended stint in Mahtomedi, I served as an Assistant Principal at North High School (North St. Paul) and as a Principal at John Glenn Middle School in Maplewood, prior to moving into district-level leadership
Favorite high school memories
- There are honestly too many great memories to enumerate. I’m beyond fortunate when thinking of all the great coaches I’ve worked with or competed against, the dedicated officials I’ve gotten to know and respect, and most importantly, the thousands of student-athletes who have enriched my life in countless ways. One of the favorite parts of my current job is watching Shakopee students participate in League activities.
Why I enjoy being involved with high school activities
- The relationships. The competition. The heartbreak. The joy. But, most of all, the journey and connections in the amazing world of co-curricular activities. In Shakopee Public Schools, we are committed to providing genuine learning experiences for each and every one of our students. Co-curricular activities provide real-life learning experiences that empower students for the rest of their lives. In Shakopee we are very fond of the phrase "an activity for every student, and every student in an activity." This phrase is both aspirational and something we act upon and measure in our school district. It was extremely gratifying in getting to play a small role in the effort led by others from my community to provide the opportunity for students to participate in Boys Volleyball as a newly sanctioned League sport.
Mike Redmond is well known for always having his school spirit and enthusiasm on display. It is common for him to sport a suit in his school colors, in this case, the red of the Shakopee Sabers.
Building personal and professional relationships through education-based activities has been an invaluable tenet for Mike Redmond, second from the left, the superintendent of Shakopee Public Schools.
