School chief decision expected Friday

After a day spent interviewing six semi-finalist candidates for the open school superintendent position, the La Conner School Board of Directors chose three finalists to proceed to the next round of screening. The candidates are Brian Isakson, Kenny Renner-Singer and Whitney Meissner.

The board is expected to narrow the field to its favorite applicant during a special meeting Friday morning, after each one spends an entire day in the district.

Isakson is currently the principal at Evergreen Elementary in Sedro-Wooley. Renner-Singer is the principal at Osborn & Beaver Valley Elementary schools in Leavenworth. Meissner is the high school principal and district assessment director at the Chimacum School District.

The superintendent position opened last July when Tim Bruce resigned to take a teaching position at Western Washington University after 26 years at the helm of the La Conner School District.

Longtime educator and administrator Peg Seeling agreed to serve as interim superintendent while the board searched for a permanent replacement, who will start work no later than July 1 this year.

The six candidates were interviewed in front of the five-member board on Saturday, in 50-minute, public sessions. More than 20 people showed up to watch the interviews throughout the day, many of whom were school employees.

The audience filled out feedback sheets for the board, stating what they liked about the candidates, ranked the candidates and listed any questions or comments. The audience was given each candidate’s resume and any additional materials, such as brochures.

Each candidate was asked 11 questions, but if the candidate was short on time, the less crucial questions were omitted. The board prioritized asking the candidates their views on La Conner Schools’ financial situation and the Great Wolf decision’s impacts. Other questions asked were common, including candidates’ school challenges, successful interactions, marketing successes, goals, communication style and ability to work with a diverse community.

The school board said it received 23 applicants since the position opened in December and closed in late January. Each of the three finalists are scheduled to spend one full day in the district this week, with more opportunities for members of the public to meet each again from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

During their day in the district, the final applicants are scheduled to meet La Conner school officials and leadership teams, Mayor Ramon Hayes and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community staff members.

On Friday the board is expected to meet in a closed session at 8:30 a.m. with a public session starting at 9 a.m. to decide which candidate to offer the position.