By Arwyn Rice
Peninsula Daily News
PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles School Board is asking residents of the district what they want in a new superintendent of schools.
Superintendent Jane Pryne announced her retirement in September and will depart June 30, 2014.
District officials have said they intend to have a new superintendent in place before Pryne’s departure to ensure a smooth transition.
“The board is committed to a very transparent search process,” said School Board President Steve Baxter.
“We intend to involve students, staff, community members and local business and community leaders in the search process for our new superintendent.”
The public can submit their input on the superintendent search survey, which can be accessed from the district’s website, www.portangelesschools.org.
Web users should look for “Superintendent Search” on the home page and go to the link to name the qualities they want to see in a new superintendent.
The survey will close at 8 a.m. Jan. 9.
“We are committed to finding a highly capable leader for our district,” Baxter said.
“We believe it is in our best interest to be guided by seasoned professionals with a solid track record conducting successful searches.”
The board selected Ray and Associates Inc. in November to assist in the search for a new superintendent.
Ray and Associates is a recruiting firm specializing in educational executive leadership searches.
Pryne, 58, became the Port Angeles district superintendent July 1, 2009, after serving seven years as superintendent of a district in the Tucson, Ariz., area and a year as interim superintendent in another Tucson-area district.
Pryne is paid $141,432.
In June 2012, former Deputy Associate Superintendent Michelle Reid departed to become superintendent of the South Kitsap School District.
The board selected Mary Ann Unger, a former Port Angeles administrator and teacher from 1993 until her retirement in 2011, as interim deputy associate superintendent.
Unger is expected to remain in her role as the superintendent’s deputy until permanent selections are made for both positions, and the new superintendent will take part in the search for a permanent deputy.
________
Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsula
dailynews.com.
