Show up and help select a school chief
Community members are invited to participate in the selection of the next superintendent of Coeur d’Alene public schools.
Three candidates for superintendent will speak at public sessions Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library.
Members of the public are invited to listen as each night, one candidate will answer questions posed by facilitators representing community groups.
Audience members will have an opportunity to share feedback on each candidate, and that information will be provided to the Board of Trustees to assist in the selection early next month. The new superintendent will begin July 1.
“It’s important that members of our community be involved in the process of selecting the next superintendent of Coeur d’Alene Public Schools,” Board Chairman Casey Morrisroe said.
He said the Board of Trustees places a high value on the feedback it receives from families, taxpayers, voters, employees and patrons of the school district.
“To help the board make an informed decision for our students and our community, we need our residents to show up for this week’s candidate forums. Please take the time to listen to each of these exceptional candidates and offer your feedback,” Morrisroe said.
Here’s the schedule of public appearances:
MONDAY — Steven Cook, deputy superintendent for Douglas County School District (68,000 students) in Castle Rock, Colo. Cook has spent 29 years in the field of public education, mostly in Kansas. He was a science teacher, assistant principal and principal, as well as assistant superintendent for secondary education of the Douglas County district. He also served as acting superintendent for three months in 2016. Cook has degrees, including a master’s and doctorate, from University of Kansas, Emporia State University and Kansas State University.
TUESDAY — Christopher Hines, deputy superintendent of operations for the Conroe Independent School District (62,000 students) north of Houston, Texas. Hines has 35 years of experience in public education in Texas. He previously served as an English teacher, assistant principal and principal, and was associate superintendent and assistant superintendent for secondary education of the Conroe district. He has degrees,including a master’s and doctorate, from Sam Houston State University, University of Houston and Southwest Texas State University.
WEDNESDAY — Trina Caudle, director of secondary education for Coeur d’Alene Public Schools (10,600 students). Caudle’s public education career spans 28 years, including positions as a math and science teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. She briefly served as acting superintendent for the Coeur d’Alene School District last year. Prior to returning to her hometown of Coeur d’Alene in 2014, Caudle was assistant superintendent for the Idaho Falls School District. She holds degrees, including a master’s and doctorate, from the University of Idaho, Idaho State University and University of Alaska-Anchorage.
The board worked with executive search firm McPherson & Jacobson to select these candidates from 34 applicants. Each one will also meet with stakeholder groups, including teachers, principals, classified employees, district office staff, students, and business and civic leaders.
The library is at 702 E. Front Ave. The public sessions will be held in the community room on the lower level.
The successful candidate will replace Stan Olson, who was named interim superintendent for the 2017-18 school year. Olson joined the district last summer after former Superintendent Matt Handelman left to take another position.
For more information, visit the “Superintendent Search Page” on the Coeur d’Alene Public Schools website at https://www.cdaschools.org/superintendentsearch.