District 196 Superintendent Michael Bolsoni today announced the selection of Joel Milteer, MBA, SPHR, as director of human resources. He will replace Shelly Monson, who will retire June 30 after serving District 196 for 23 years. 

“I was attracted to this position because of the district’s commitment to educational equity, excellence, and continuous improvement. Throughout my educational career, I have continued to be impressed by the dedication and commitment of the district’s staff and how they have created an environment of excellence for students where they can grow and thrive,” Milteer said. “I love this work because of our purpose: educating and inspiring students for lifelong success. I bring a servant leadership style to human resources. If we can simplify and streamline things for school leaders, teachers, and staff in all areas, they can better serve our students in the classrooms, lunchrooms, departments, programs, and all areas of our district. I hope colleagues will find me to be a supportive, strategic, transparent, and caring partner in our work together to ensure student success.”

Milteer brings 17 years of experience serving public schools and 22 years of experience in human resources. He is currently Director of Human Resources with South St. Paul Public Schools and has held similar positions in Osseo Area Schools and Richfield Public Schools. He started his career at Target Corporation before moving to a physicians’ group at the University of Minnesota. Then, he found his purpose in public education. As manager of employee services with Anoka Hennepin Public Schools, he supported 200 administrators and 7,000 employees in the areas of training, employee relations, staffing, and employee leaves. He led negotiations strategy with labor unions in his last three districts. He brings extensive experience leading performance management initiatives, modernizing HR technology systems, and ensuring compliance with state and federal employment laws.

“Joel is knowledgeable and explains things clearly and concisely,” Superintendent Bolsoni said. “We appreciated the proactive, transparent, and service-oriented approach he will bring to this position. His work demonstrates support of staff and supervisors, with a student-centered lens. He is a strong communicator and strongly committed to employee engagement and well-being.”

As director of human resources in District 196, Milteer will be responsible for administering collective bargaining agreements with the district’s 12 employee groups, conducting investigations, advising administrators on employee relations, managing administration of employee benefit programs, leading the district’s Insurance Committee, and ensuring district compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, collective bargaining agreements, and state and federal reporting requirements.  

Milteer holds a bachelor’s in business administration from Texas A&M, an MBA from the University of Texas-Tyler, and certificates in project management and compensation & benefits from the University of St. Thomas and Cornell University, respectively. He will start his new position in District 196 on July 1, 2025.