Evergreen board advances five superintendent candidates to first-round interviews

The Evergreen Public Schools Board of Directors voted Jan. 28 to advance five candidates to first-round interviews for superintendent, identifying them by letters W, V, T, U and Y.

Director Christine Perkins moved to advance candidate W for a first-round interview, seconded by Director Grenwalt; the motion passed by voice vote. The board then voted, by separate voice motions, to advance candidates V, T, U and Y to first-round interviews. Board members discussed dates: candidate W was offered interview dates on Feb. 11 or Feb. 13; the other candidates were scheduled for Feb. 13. President Witherspoon called for voice votes on each motion; each passed with “Aye” recorded and no vocal opposition noted on the record.

Why it matters: advancing a group of finalists narrows the field for the district's next superintendent and sets interview logistics and timelines for board review. The board indicated first-round interviews will occur in mid-February, after which the board will determine next steps.

Motions and how they passed: Director Perkins moved that candidate W advance, seconded by Director Grenwalt; Director Grenwalt moved candidate V advance, seconded by Perkins; Director Bocanegra moved candidate T advance, seconded by Grenwalt; Director Grenwalt moved candidate U advance, seconded by Perkins; and Director Gautamot moved candidate Y advance, seconded by Director Bocanegra. Each motion was approved by voice vote with “Aye” recorded and no recorded opposition.

The board covered these personnel actions as part of its “matters reserved for board action” agenda item and confirmed that first-round interviews will take place in February. No candidate names beyond the letter designators were discussed on the public record during the meeting.

Next steps: the board will hold the scheduled first-round interviews and then determine finalists for subsequent rounds. No appointments or hires were made at the Jan. 28 meeting.