Robbinsdale’s new assistant superintendent, Dr. Robert McDowell

Dr. Robert McDowell has been selected as the new assistant superintendent for Robbinsdale Area Schools (Rdale). He will begin transitioning to Rdale immediately, with an official start date of June 2025.

Dr. McDowell brings more than 30 years of experience in public education, starting his career as a technology education teacher. Over the years, he has held a variety of leadership roles, including technology coordinator, assistant administrator, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. From 2020 to 2023, he was superintendent of Hastings Public Schools. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Leadership and Organizational Health at the Center for Effective School Operations (CESO).

In addition to his extensive experience, Dr. McDowell holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas.

He has strengths as an instructional leader, excels in leadership development, and is accomplished in systems improvement. Dr. McDowell will jump right in to help strengthen how we support teaching and learning across all our schools as we strive for instructional excellence. He’ll work closely with staff and school leaders to improve how we plan, support, and measure student success—ensuring that everything we do is aligned with our district’s goals and strategic plan.