Principal Search

This is a message from SJISD Superintendent Rick Thompson –

Hello Stakeholders:

Here is an update on the principal search at Friday Harbor Elementary School.

On March 12th and 13th the FHES principal search committee interviewed 9 semi-finalist candidates. Each candidate was given an hour to answer 20 questions which directly relate to their ability to perform in the elementary position. Each search committee member scored and ranked all 9 candidates, and after discussion, the committee decided to ask three candidates to return to a full day visit as a finalist. The committee is made up of FHES staff, district administrators, and community representation.

Next week we will call back three finalists. The full day interviews will consist of a writing exercise, conversations with district staff, and several hours at the FHES site to meet with students and staff.

A parent/community presentation opportunity for each finalist will take place at 6:00 in the FHES Library.

We will have finalists come to the district individually (one day per finalist) and spend their time getting to know us and for us to get to know them better.

Each leader brings a great deal of insight and leadership to the role of principal and to public education. If you would like to see more detailed paperwork on each candidate, please let us know. The search committee will reconvene following the finalist interviews to discuss a job offer.

We would like to receive your feedback on each candidate on a form created for your input. Here are the finalists and their interview dates:

• Jerry Bauer: Monday, March 25. Mr. Bauer has served in the role of elementary school principal in Montana and in Wisconsin. He is currently working in the Education Department at Montana State University.
• Diane Ball: Thursday, March 28. Mrs. Ball served nearly 20 years at an elementary teacher in the Conway School District in Skagit County. She is currently in her ninth year as an Assistant Principal in the Marysville School District.
• Matthew Holshouser: Friday March 29. Mr. Holshouser is an experienced elementary school teacher and is currently serving as an Assistant Principal in Livingston, Montana.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, and join me in welcoming these education leaders into the SJISD.

Rick
378-4133
richardthompson [at] sjisd.wednet.edu

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