Paul Peltier

REGIONAL- The Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS) has reached into the education ranks to name Fosston School District high school band and choir director Paul Peltier as its new executive director.
Peltier replaces former executive director Ida Rukavina, who became Commissioner of the Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation in January. Retired executive director Steve Giorgi has been serving in the position on an interim basis.
According to his school biography, Peltier has been in teaching for 13 years, having earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College and a master’s in education from the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D.
In a RAMS press release, Peltier said he’s pleased to be returning to his Iron Range roots.
“I am honored and thrilled that RAMS has chosen me to be their next executive director,” he said. “This is truly a dream job for me. I was born in Hibbing and raised northwest of Nashwauk in Balsam Township, but like many Rangers my work took me away from home. I am looking forward to digging in and growing opportunities and relationships across the Range. We are strong when we protect what we have and fight for what we deserve. I am excited to share my skills to foster understanding, cooperation, and development in our communities.”
Pat Madure, RAMS board president, said the board is looking forward to working with Peltier.
“He understands the quality of life that we all enjoy,” Madure said. “He will have the best interests of our communities and the people within the Taconite Relief Area at the forefront of his work.”
Peltier will finish the spring term at Fosston before relocation with his wife, Molly, and four children to the area.
RAMS representes more than 78,000 residents and 63 public sector units of government in advocating on issues of regional importance to the Iron Range on behalf of its member organizations and communities.