Superintendent pool is narrowed to top 4

By Jennifer McBride / Leader Staff

ST IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius School Board narrowed the finalists for the superintendent position to four on Monday night. The final candidate interviews are open to the public and scheduled for Monday, April 14 and Tuesday, April 15 in the St. Ignatius Middle School commons. The district is also hosting a community dinner on Sunday, April 13, from 5-7 p.m. in the elementary school gymnasium, where people will be able to discuss the candidates.

Elizabeth Kaleva, lawyer for the St. Ignatius school district, said the school board is encouraging a lot of community input in the superintendent selection process.

"They really want to know what the public's looking for in a new education leader," she said in an interview Tuesday.

The school board's own criteria, Kaleva said, include a strong academic background along with the ability to collaborate with the St. Ignatius School Board and develop and implement new district policies.

"Basically, someone who's passionate about education," she explained.

The first candidate to be interviewed will be Kim Harding, currently the K-12 Principal at Garden Valley School in Garden Valley, Idaho. Before moving to Boise County, Harding was a math teacher at Ronan High School and an elementary teacher in Ronan and Pablo. She earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in interdisciplinary students from the University of Montana and is currently working on a doctorate of educational leadership, also through UM. Harding is also expecting to earn her English as a second language certification in fall of 2008. Her interview is scheduled for April 14 at 5:30 p.m.

The second candidate is Kirk Koennecke, currently principal of Barberton High School in Barberton, Ohio. Before becoming principal, Koennecke was employed as assistant principal in the Bedford City School District and the Richmond Heights Local Schools, both in Ohio, though he started his career as a social studies teacher. Koennecke earned his bachelor's degree in secondary education from Ohio State University, where he graduated cum laude. He also has a master's degree in sports administration from Miami University of Ohio, and a master's degree in education administration from John Carroll University. His Board interview is scheduled for April 14 at 7:15 p.m.

The third candidate is Gerry Nolan, currently director of emotional growth programs at Summit Preparatory School in Kalispell. Before moving back to Montana, Nolan was superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Fall Creek, Wis. He also worked there as principal, social studies teacher and coach. Nolan earned his bachelor's degree in social students from Winona State University, his master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Wyoming, and his doctorate in leadership for the advancement of learning and service from Cardinal Stritch University. His interview is scheduled for April 15 at 4:30 p.m.

The final candidate is Tom Stack, principal of Ronan High School. Stack previous served as principal and activities director at Power Public schools in Power. and a science teacher and coach at St. Regis and Hot Springs. Stack earned his bachelor's degree in wildlife biology and his master's degree in educational leadership from the University of Montana. His interview is scheduled for April 15 at 6:15 p.m.

Dr. Tim Skinner, St. Ignatius' previous superintendent, announced his retired in March. Since then, middle and high school principal Jason Sargent has been serving as acting superintendent.