Bruce Klaehn, Superintendent for Grand Meadow schools, was recognized by the Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA) as an Administrator of Excellence at the spring conference Feb. 27-28.

Each year, the award is given to nine administrators from different regions. It honors service to public education.

"I think it's a reflection of the new school project," Klaehn said. "In many ways, it's an award for the whole school district."

Klaehn's nomination came from Superintendent David U'Ren of Rushford-Peterson schools. In the nomination letter, U'Ren wrote about the impact the recently-constructed dome school built in the community.

"Bruce has brought to Grand Meadow a new concept in school buildings and a new hope to a small, rural Minnesota district," U'Ren wrote.

Klaehn agreed that the school has been a boon to the community.

"I think it really pulled everyone together," he said. "We needed a lot of cooperation. I sense a lot of comraderie in that everyone feels ownership in it."

While the dome school was a great achievement, Klaehn admits to having his moments of weakness. The uncertainty of acquiring legislative funds for the project caused Klaehn some stress.

"There were times when I drove by the site and wondered, 'Will the be anything there?'" Klaehn said. "I kept telling myself, 'Give it everything you've got, and let the chips fall where they may.'"

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by email at matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com