SAUK RAPIDS - A familiar face will be taking over the leadership of the Sauk Rapids-Rice school district later this year. The school board has selected former District 742 Superintendent Bruce Watkins as the interim superintendent at Sauk Rapids-Rice.

Board Chair Mark Hauck says the experience he has allows them to take their time in hiring a new superintendent.

We're taking it one step at a time. We're really excited to have Bruce Watkins on board because he provides us with his skill set the ability to take the time needed to find a permanent replacement for our superintendent.

Hauk says they're still negotiating Watkins' contract, but it will be for one year from July 1 through June 30 of next year.

Current Superintendent Dan Bittman announced in February that he's leaving the district for a job in Elk River.

Watkins is currently running the Elk River district on an interim basis.

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