Top supes step down before new one arrives
COEUR d’ALENE — The three top-ranking administrators for the Coeur d'Alene School District are all on their way out the door before the new superintendent has even arrived in town.
Steve Cook, who has served as superintendent since July 2018, will leave the district officially June 30.
In the wake of his departure, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education and Curriculum Kelly Niccolls and Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Education and Instruction Kate Orozco have also submitted their resignations.
Orozco will leave at the end of this month.
"After six years in this amazing school district, it is time for me to find a different leadership role that will help me to nurture and respond to the leadership insights I have gained here," Orozco said in an announcement from the district Monday. "I am certain enough about those insights that I will be exploring other educational leadership opportunities that will allow me to continue to serve both student and adult learners."
Orozco was one of two candidates in the running for the superintendent seat when Cook announced his resignation. Shon Hocker, who has been the superintendent of Dickinson Public Schools in Dickinson, N.D., since 2018, was the winning candidate.
Niccolls joined the district in 2020 when her predecessor, Trina Caudle, accepted a position with the Post Falls School District. Niccolls has accepted a position with the Cheney School District. She will be assistant director of teaching and learning for secondary schools. She will be with the Coeur d'Alene School District through the first week of July.
"I feel it necessary to make this tough choice of leaving Coeur d'Alene Public Schools and accepting a position in my home state to support their secondary schools and strategic priorities," Niccolls said. "This is a role that allows me more opportunity to find balance with my work and family demands. I leave here with new great friends, proud examples of work and collaboration and evident progress toward consistent teaching and learning practices that are meaningful and worthy for our students in our secondary schools."
A new human resources director was hired this spring as well. Kelly Ostrom, who served for 33 years, retired April 6. Eric Davis of Turlock, Calif., was selected as the new human resources director. Davis is a human resource professional with experience in education and the private sector.
“I am incredibly excited to begin working with all of you, and can’t wait to start meeting the dynamic team I’ve heard so much about already!” he said in a February district announcement. "I’m thankful for the welcoming spirit, and look forward to serving you by collaborating on the opportunities that lie ahead.”
With so many changes at the top, The Press contacted Coeur d'Alene School Board Chair Jen Brumley to address any worries she may have.
"I am not concerned except to the extent we want to fill these big shoes with amazing people," Brumley said. "I am excited to have Dr. Hocker coming here soon. He will play a role in choosing two very important people that will assist him in what I hope will be years to come.
"We are sorry to see these individuals leaving, but it opens new doors and new opportunities for our district," she said.
Hocker's contract with the district begins July 1.
"It’s our goal to fill both assistant superintendent positions by July," district communications director Scott Maben said. "Later this week, an interview team that includes Dr. Shon Hocker will interview semifinalists for assistant superintendent of elementary education and instruction. In addition, we have posted internally the assistant superintendent of secondary education and instruction position. Dr. Hocker also will actively participate in that hiring process."
