The New Prague Area Schools are pleased to announce that Mr. Denny Havlicek has been selected as a Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA) All State award winner. The All State designation is MSBA’s most prestigious honor. It is given to members who are active participants in MSBA related activities and have a proven track record of positively impacting education at both the local and state levels.
Denny has been a member of the NPAS’ School Board since July 1, 1996. During his time, he has experienced several different roles including Board Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk. In addition, Denny has also served on leadership roles with MRVSEC (now SW Metro) School Board, New Prague Negotiations and Equity Teams, SW Metro Negotiations Team, Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, and on the Superintendent Recruitment Team for SW Metro.
In his nomination, current New Prague Area Schools’ Superintendent, Andy Vollmuth, stated: “As a school system, we pride ourselves on being guided by the New Prague Way which is defined by doing what is right, committing to excellence and showing people that you care. Denny lives out these ideals and by doing so sets an example for others to follow.”
In supporting Mr. Havlicek for this noteworthy distinction, retired NPAS Superintendent, Tim Dittberner shared: “Mr. Havlicek’s impact as a board member has been tremendous. His calm demeanor projects empathy and understanding during interactions with fellow board members, community members, parents, and staff. People respect Dennis because he listens and cares about everyone’s viewpoints. They also know he will do “what’s right” regardless of any external pressure. That means always putting students first during the decision-making process”
Mr. Havlicek has committed much of his life’s work to public education. Prior to joining the NPAS’ school board, he worked for 34 years as a special education teacher and guidance counselor with the Bloomington Public Schools, retiring in 2003. In addition to his active engagement on the NPAS’ School Board, Denny is also a long-standing board member for Southwest Metro Intermediate School District No. 288.
Mr. Havlicek, along with the other award recipients from across the state, will be formally recognized at the MSBA’s annual conference in January.