By Kerri Rempp Sioux County Schools PIO
Sioux County delayed its interviews for a new superintendent for a second time after reviewing two anonymized applications Tuesday.
Caroline Winchester, former Chadron superintendent, and Robin Stevens, both with the Nebraska Rural Schools Association, reviewed the applications with the board.
They detailed Candidate A as having experience in special education and as a principal but without a superintendent endorsement currently but in the process of obtaining it.
Strengths listed were her rural background, principal and special education experience, grant writing and reporting and work with school improvement and positive behavior intervention strategies. Her leadership, team building, people skills and work ethic were also highlighted.Â
Candidate B is currently a business teacher and has worked as a principal at several schools. His superintendent endorsement will need to be renewed and will likely require classwork to do so. Strengths included his experience in construction and facility upgrades, finance experience and community involvement.
Following the review, the board moved into executive session to discuss application details that might damage the reputation of candidates. After 35 minutes, the board re-opened the meeting to the public and approved re-opening the applications. Applications will now be accepted until Feb. 5, with finalists selected Feb. 12 and interviews Feb. 19, 5 p.m.
The board formally accepted Dr. Brett Gies’ resignation for his retirement after 16 years with the district.
In other business, the board honored students of the month Emily Holmgren and Christopher Klein for their leadership roles and positive attitudes.
The board also went into executive session for over an hour to discuss a letter of concern to the administration that would unlawfully disclose confidential student information if addressed in public session.
The board was told several staff and classroom assignments changed with the new semester at the suggestion of the elementary teachers. Mrs. Hughson is now working with Mrs. Dunn on special education and will assist the 5th-8th grade teachers on curriculum as well.
Mrs. Wilkins will teach 7th and 8th grade in the former high school math room, while Mrs. Reisig’s high school math classes will move to the former 8th grade room. Sara Starkey has been hired as a new para.Â
Construction on the new elementary school has halted until later in January due to the cold temperatures.
Filing deadlines for the May primary election are Feb 15 for incumbents and March 1 for non-incumbents.
There are 3 Sioux County school board positions up this year. Incumbents Judd Skavdahl, Shon Whetham and Joleen Falkenburg’s positions have not said if they plan to run again.