The interim superintendent of Austin Public Schools sat at the front of the City Council Chambers for his last regular meeting Monday night.

Bruce Anderson, who began with the district July 1, 2008, will work his last day June 30. He replaced Candace Raskin, who resigned last spring. He was honored with a reception in the lobby before the meeting Monday.

Anderson said his short time with the district has been a “wonderful experience.”

“Great people and very talented staff,” he said. “The school board has really chosen to work together in a professional way. The focus is on the students, so to see the continued work in all areas K through 12 has been gratifying.”

“It’s not about me,” Anderson said to the audience during the school board meeting. “It’s not about the board, it’s not about principals — it’s about the kids and setting the table for them.”

Anderson said he is impressed with what Austin Public Schools has to offer, particularly the University of Minnesota master’s degree program for staff, science improvements and gifted and talented programming made possible by grants from The Hormel Foundation.

An adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas and long-time superintendent, Anderson said he has never seen anything like what the grants have provided in any other district.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “What an opportunity.”

Board member Diana Wangsness said during the school board meeting the district is “very blessed” to have Anderson in the position.

“Bruce is an extremely positive individual,” chairman Don Fox said.

“I feel he’s done a tremendous job,” vice chairman Richard Lees agreed.

Anderson has also served as interim superintendent in Little Falls, Minn. He plans to continue as a professor, and lives in Richfield, Minn., with his wife, Carol.

David Krenz, superintendent of La Crescent-Hokah Schools in La Crescent, Minn., will begin as the new superintendent in Austin July 1. He was also present at the meeting Monday.

Fox said he believes it’s a “good sign” the board unanimously voted to hire Krenz, and that both administrative groups publicly approved.