Stillwater, MN — November 11, 2025 - The Partnership Plan Board of Directors announced today that Executive Director Rick Robbins will retire on June 30, 2026. Robbins came to The Partnership Plan in the fall of 2019 after over thirty years of management, marketing, sales, and community relations experience.
He has served as the organization’s leader for the last six years, advancing its mission to connect the community and its resources to Stillwater Area Public Schools, supporting exceptional learning experiences for all students since the fall of 2019.
During his tenure, Robbins modernized The Partnership Plan and laid a strong foundation for long-term sustainability. He cultivated and expanded community partnerships, broadened grant opportunities across the district, and championed the implementation of the Mental Health Initiative to support student well-being. In addition, Robbins established the Leave a Legacy Through Education planned giving program, ensuring the organization's lasting stability and future generations of students.
“Rick has passionately led The Partnership Plan with a strong commitment to the organization’s mission to support exceptional learning experiences for all students in the Stillwater Area Public Schools,” said Katie Johnson, Chair of The Partnership Plan Board of Directors. “We are grateful for his leadership and wish him all the best in retirement.”
The Board of Directors will begin a formal search process to identify new leadership to continue The Partnership Plan’s important work. Details regarding a community celebration of Robbins’ service will be shared at a later date.
About The Partnership Plan
The Partnership Plan is an independent non-profit, 501(c)3, education fund organization dedicated to the continued academic excellence of the Stillwater Area Public Schools. The Partnership Plan secures private, supplemental funding to support valuable education experiences and innovative projects in the Stillwater Area Public Schools. Funds raised augment school system revenues, which are provided by taxes, state aid, and other parent and student-led fundraising efforts.
Since its founding, The Partnership Plan has granted more than $7 million in grants to fund innovative programs and provide critical support to teachers, staff, and students, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive throughout Independent School District #834.
Photo: Rick Robbins, Executive Director of The Partnership Plan, has announced his retirement effective June 2026. Robbins has led the nonprofit since 2019, advancing its mission to support exceptional learning experiences for Stillwater Area Public Schools.
###
