CHIMACUM — The search for a new Chimacum School District superintendent has been narrowed to three finalists.
A new superintendent will take over from interim appointee Rich Stewart, who has led the district for two years following the resignation of Craig Downs.
The final selection could take place next week, Stewart said.
One finalist met the public Thursday night. The other two are scheduled for public meetings next week.
All meetings are from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Chimacum High School library, 91 West Valley Road.
All finalists are from Washington state.
Deborah Holcomb, 57 — who met the public Thursday — is the director of student services in the Highline School District in Burien.
Rick Thompson, 51, superintendent of San Juan School District, will meet the public Monday.
Chris Rust, 57, principal of Warden High School in Warden, is scheduled for Tuesday.
The three candidates were chosen from five semifinalists, Stewart said. Thirteen people had applied.
The candidates were screened by consultant Michael Boring, who also participated in Stewart’s selection.
Stewart said the salary range is between $120,000 and $125,000 per year, a higher rate than the $65,000 Stewart earns as a part-time superintendent.
Stewart, 66, who had retired from the Eatonville School District, was hired as interim superintendent after Downs announced his resignation in May 2013.
Stewart agreed to serve for one year. The School Board extended that to two years in 2014.
He declined to serve a third year, triggering the search for a permanent superintendent.
Stewart said the new superintendent will attempt to improve the district’s overall test scores and work on acquiring new instructional materials.
Stewart said the Chim-acum superintendent’s position is unique because it includes the position of curriculum director, an arrangement he expects to continue.
Bond measure
On Feb. 10, voters defeated a $34.8 million bond measure that would have replaced and renovated several buildings and constructed an athletic center.
After the defeat, Stewart said the district would resubmit the measure to the voters, perhaps as soon as April 28.
While the School Board has discussed the topic, it does not yet have enough information to plan a new ballot measure, according to business manager Arthur Clarke.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
