Seven candidates will interview this week to become South Kitsap School District’s superintendent.

On Tuesday, interviews are set with William Fritz, superintendent of Steilacoom Historical School District, at 4 p.m.; Molly Ringo, assistant superintendent of Everett School District, at 5:15 p.m.; John Steach, superintendent of Oregon’s Canby School District, at 6:45 p.m.; and Mellody Matthes, interim School District, at 8 p.m. The interviews, which will be held at SKSD’s district office, are open to the public.

SKSD also plans interviews Wednesday with Sara Johnson, assistant superintendent for Oregon’s Lincoln County School District, at 4 p.m.; Jay Hummel, superintendent of Idaho’s Kuna School District, at 5:15 p.m.; and Michelle Reid, assistant superintendent of Port Angeles School District, at 6:45 p.m.

Reid was a finalist to become the district’s interim superintendent before the school board appointed Beverly Cheney, who previously served as SKSD’s superintendent from 2001-08, to that position Aug. 1. The position was vacated by Dave LaRose when he left in July to become superintendent of California’s Culver City Unified School District.

Those semifinalists were selected Thursday by SKSD’s Board of Directors from 18 candidates who applied for the position. Candidates were recruited from throughout the country and screened by consulting firm Northwest Leadership Associates.

A citizens panel, which is expected to comprise a dozen members, will be present to review each candidate’s approximately hour-long interview. Their insight will be used to help select three finalists.

The finalists are scheduled for more interviews and public meet-and-greet sessions Feb. 11, 13 and 14. Dennis Ray of Northwest Leadership Associates said it is unlikely the school board will hire a superintendent Feb. 14. He said there that should come sometime later in the month after more research on the finalists occurs along with a possible site visit.

Contact Port Orchard Independent Staff Writer Chris Chancellor at cchancellor@portorchardindependent.com or (360) 876-4414.

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