DPS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of CTE
- Technical Education Director
Aaron Anderson was hired as Career and Technical Education Director in August of 2021. In his role, he provides oversight and support to all CTE programming and instructors across the district. In addition, he is leading the development of the Southwest Area Career and Technical Education Academy, which will expand educational and training opportunities to our students and the region.
Previous to his employment with Dickinson Public Schools, Mr. Anderson served as the State Supervisor for Agricultural Education with the North Dakota Department of Career and Technical Education in Bismarck and a high school Agricultural Education instructor in Turtle Lake, ND.
Job Titles:
- Speech Language Pathologist Para
Job Titles:
- Special Education Process Facilitator - Lincoln Elementary & Jefferson Elementary
Job Titles:
- Speech Language Pathology Process Facilitator
Dr. Marcus Lewton was named Superintendent of Dickinson Public Schools in December 2021 after serving as Interim Superintendent from July 2021-December 2021. Lewton is the chief executive officer of the school district and is the educational leader who promotes the success of all students and staff in the performance of their jobs. He is responsible for the effective operation of the District; for the general administration of all instructional, business, or other functions of the District; and for advising and making recommendations to the Board of Education with respect to such activities.
Mr. Lewton served as the Principal of Dickinson Middle School from 2012 - 2020 and Director of Career and Technical Education for the district. Prior to that, he served as the Roughrider Area Career & Technical Center Director and a teacher in North Dakota and Minnesota.
A Dickinson native, Dr. Lewton completed his undergraduate studies in Agricultural Education at the University of Minnesota. He holds a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Minnesota and holds his doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of South Dakota.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant / Paraprofessional
Job Titles:
- Speech Language Pathologist
Job Titles:
- Social Worker - Lincoln and Roosevelt
Job Titles:
- Food Service Secretary / Paraprofessional
Keith Harris is the Assistant Superintendent of Dickinson Public Schools. He provides oversight of district-level departments and ensures high levels of learning for every student.
Mr. Harris brings prior experience as a curriculum/facilities director, elementary and K-12 school principal, vice-principal, and teacher.
Job Titles:
- English Learner Instructor
As the Director of Instruction, Melanie Kathrein oversees the development and revision of curriculum for all K-12 content areas, facilitates curriculum-related professional development and assessment. She is also the administrator who is responsible for professional development related to Title IIA and Title IV. Mrs. Kathrein supervises the elementary literacy coaches, the elementary libraries, and the Instructional Media Center. She facilitates the district Professional Development Leadership Team and the MTSS Committee.
Mrs. Kathrein also serves on the School Improvement Leadership Team, the Teacher Evaluation Committee, and the Calendar Committee and has served as Director of Instruction since 2006.
Job Titles:
- Technology Paraprofessional
Job Titles:
- Special Education Instructor
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent
Job Titles:
- Business Office Assistant
Job Titles:
- Technology Integration Coach
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant - Payroll
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Services
Shawn Leiss has served as Director of Student Services since July 2020. He previously served as assistant principal and activities director for Dickinson Middle School. He supervises the implementation of federal, state, and district guidelines regarding district-wide wraparound services including: Section 504, McKinney Vento (homeless services), English Learner Services, Gifted and Talented, Home School, and Foster Care.
Mr. Leiss also serves as the Dickinson Public Schools Suicide Prevention Coordinator. In addition to these responsibilities, he oversees the operation of the West Dakota Parent & Family Resource Center, the Adult Learning center as well as the district-wide counseling and social work program.
Job Titles:
- Director of Special Education
Sheri Twist has served as Director of Special Education since 2019. She previously serviced DPS for 15 years as a special education coordinator(5 years) and special education strategist(10 years). Her role provides leadership to coordinate and supervise the effective delivery of special education services. Mrs. Twist's commitment in the area of Special Education is to implement and maintain programs and services in conformance to district, state, and federal law.
Mrs. Twist oversees all facets of the special education department, including programs, services, personnel, and budget. She also directly supervises the special education coordinators, school psychologists, occupational therapists, and process facilitators.
As the Business Manager, Stephanie Hunter oversees the finances of the district, which includes creating and tracking the district's annual budget, reviewing and executing District contracts, reviewing and updating fiscal policies and procedures, ensuring financial compliance and reporting, as well as updating and revising internal controls for efficiency and audit purposes.
Mrs. Hunter supervises the accounting and payroll departments. She also serves on the Superintendent's Cabinet, Budget Committee, Facilities Committee, Classified Council and works directly with the School Board as a fiscal reference Board meetings and negotiations. Mrs. Hunter has been the Business Manager since November 2020 and brings prior private sector experience in financial auditing and banking. She holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Business Administration. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and son or reading a good book while enjoying the ND sunsets.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent