Albert Lea Area Schools Superintendent Mike Funk was named one of two finalists for the superintendent position at Shakopee Public Schools on Wednesday.

Funk has been the superintendent in Albert Lea since 2009.

The other finalist is Mike Redmond, superintendent of Goodhue Public Schools.

The position is open following the death of Shakopee Superintendent Gary Anger in August.

According to a press release, 30 candidates applied for the position, and the district’s personnel committee selected two finalists.

Funk said he is interested in the position for professional reasons.

“Albert Lea Area Schools has developed into one of the strongest districts in Minnesota in the past 10 years,” Funk said. “Shakopee has been through some tragedy, and is seeking strong leadership. After receiving numerous inquiries from Shakopee over the past month, I have agreed to interview with their district.”

He said regardless of the outcome, Albert Lea will continue to be well-led by the district’s administrative team.

Funk started his career in the Dover-Eyota School District as a social studies teacher and then served as principal at Pepin High School in Pepin, Wisconsin, and superintendent of BOLD Schools in Olivia.

He served in the Minnesota National Guard for more than 20 years and holds rank as a colonel.

Prior to his service in Goodhue, Redmond was executive director of secondary education for Stillwater Area Public Schools, where he led the teaching and learning department and supervised secondary principals. Prior to that, he was principal of John Glenn Middle School in Maplewood, assistant principal for North High School in North St. Paul and a social studies teacher for Mahtomedi High School in Mahtomedi.

Funk and Redmond will interview Monday. The interview process will include a tour of the district and interview panels with teachers, non-certified staff, principals and the superintendent’s cabinet.

A special board meeting is slated for Oct. 15, where the board will discuss both candidates and determine how to proceed.