Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?

School chief during bullying fight retires

Dennis Carlson
Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Dennis Carlson in the MPR building in St. Paul on May 13, 2014. Carlson, who retires on June 30, has been superintendent since 2009, a time period that included a rash of student suicides, as well as a federal lawsuit against the district over the bullying of gay and lesbian students.
Tom Weber / MPR Photo

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Some of the most dramatic stories in Minnesota schools in recent years have occurred in the state's largest school district, Anoka-Hennepin. As superintendent, Dennis Carlson has seen the drama up close.

During his five years in that position, the district experienced a spate of student suicides and also a federal lawsuit over the bullying of gay and lesbian students that put Anoka-Hennepin in the national spotlight. The district was also the target of a federal investigation.

Carlson had the unenviable role of trying to represent district policy to the world at a time when critics were accusing the district of doing too little to protect and support gay and lesbian students. He had to apologize for sending a message to district families dismissing a connection between the suicides and bullying.

After decades in education, Carlson had originally planned to retire from Anoka-Hennepin in 2009 to pursue another job project. But he was called back to be interim and, later, permanent superintendent. Now he's planning to retire again, for real this time, at the end of June.

Carlson joins The Daily Circuit to discuss his plans and his legacy.