Dennis Thorsen, director of special services for the Austin School District, resigned Tuesday.

Wednesday, June 27, 2001

Dennis Thorsen, director of special services for the Austin School District, resigned Tuesday.

"Dennis has been a good person to work with. He has just a really wide depth and breath of knowledge about special education," said Julie Jensen, district human services director.

Thorsen had been responsible for overseeing special education, English as a second language, and 504 students, a category that includes students with asthma and other physical impairments who are ineligible for special education.

Thorsen is leaving Austin to work with the Minnesota Valley Education District, which is headquartered in St. Peter. The district there consists of seven districts, and includes about 7,000 students, nearly 3,000 more than Austin.

"This is an opportunity for me to use my skills in a system that has challenges," Thorsen said.

He had been a member of the Central Office Team, which includes departing Superintendent James Hess, Business Services Director Lori Volz, Jensen and Educational Services Director Sue Roehrich.

Thorsen also oversaw special education lead teachers at every school in the district, including the Ranch School and the Bank program.

"We have some very good staff," Thorsen said.

Jensen says the district is advertising for a replacement director in a variety of mediums, including Web sites and regional newspapers. Several current employees have applied for the position. Jensen hopes to begin interviewing candidates after July 20, and hire a replacement by August.

"Ideally, we’d like someone who has experience as an administrator, someone with a special education background. They have to be certified or near completely certified with a Minnesota special education director license," she said.

Call Sam Garchik at 434-2233 or e-mail him at newsroom@austindailyherald.com.