PORT TOWNSEND — The field for the Port Townsend School District superintendent’s position was narrowed to three finalists Saturday, after a series of all-day interviews and a three-hour executive session.
“We had a long, very involved discussion,” said School Board member Beth Young.
“But we came to a consensus, and selected the candidates whose qualifications matched what we were looking for.”
The new superintendent will replace Tom Opstad, who announced in March that he will lead the Aberdeen School District next school year after five years in Port Townsend.
The three finalists are:
• Thomas Churchill, superintendent, Hood Canal School District, Shelton.
• Mellody Matthes, executive director of human resources, Oak Harbor School District.
• Jeff Sweeney, superintendent, Fillmore Unified School District, Fillmore, Calif.
This week, board members will continue their research about the finalists, contacting references and talking with board members in their districts.
The finalists will visit the district on successive days: May 17, 18 and 19.
Young said the specific sequence will conform to the candidates’ schedules, and would probably be finalized at Monday’s 6 p.m. School Board board meeting in the Lincoln Building, 450 Fir Street.
Each candidate will tour the district publicly, meeting teachers, students and parents.
The candidates will answer questions from the public about themselves and their plans.
The three were chosen from six semifinalists who also included William Evans, former superintendent of Lopez Island School District; Robert Corley, principal of Montesano Junior-Senior High School, and former superintendent of Evergreen Public Schools, Flagler County Public Schools and Fife Public Schools; and Robert Clark, superintendent of Cascade School District in Leavenworth.
Matthes was the only woman semifinalist, while Sweeney was the only one from out of state.
Opstad’s last day is June 30, and his replacement is to start work the following day, July 1.
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Jefferson County reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
