Gresham-Barlow board narrows field to four finalists for interim director interviews

The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Directors on Feb. 5, 2026 narrowed a field of 12 applicants for a vacant board seat to four finalists and set interviews for next Thursday between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. Chair Blake Petersen said the appointed person will serve until the next election in May 2027, consistent with board policy.

Board leadership presented a screening rubric and allotted time for members to score applicants individually before group discussion. Directors reported their ranked preferences—Director Shawn Farrens initially favored applicants I, E and L but later adjusted to include F; Director Heather Coleman-Cox listed A, I and K; Vice-Chair Holly Riegelmann listed I, H and F; Director Kris Howatt listed A, F and C; Chair Blake Petersen listed F, H and I; and Director Brenna Puderbaugh listed F, G and I. Petersen said the board’s review showed F, I, A and H were the most frequently ranked candidates and agreed those four would proceed to interviews.

The board directed that interviews be uniform: 20 minutes each, with consistent questions provided to all candidates 24 hours in advance. The board secretary will coordinate scheduling; candidates will be notified of the relevant Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) requirements and board policy and asked not to contact board members before their interviews. Chair Petersen also said board leadership is considering using the Delphi Technique previously employed during the superintendent search to compare candidates systematically.

No appointment was made at the Feb. 5 work session; the board limited its action to selecting finalists and setting the interview process. The meeting minutes record the board’s appreciation for the applicants and note that Position 7 on the board remains vacant until an appointment is made and the May 2027 election.