During their meeting today, the Washoe County School District focused on the current search for a new superintendent.
The hiring firm McPherson and Jacobson was hired to conduct a nationwide search for finalists but has three finalists from the Washoe County School District.
Beth Smith, President of the Washoe County Board of Trustees, says the search process is going well and they are excited to introduce the five candidates to the community. They are also getting ready for three full days of finalist activities ahead of potentially making a decision on who will be their new superintendent on May 14th.
The five finalists are Joseph M. Ernst, Elizabeth Fagen, Paul Lamarca, Charles R. McNulty and Troy R. Parks.
President Smith explains "We put together an overall portrait of who our next superintendent should be. Their expertise, their commitment and their passion. These five individuals have risen up through all the applicants nationwide to be the final people who will be presented to our community and our board."
They're inviting all community members to get involved in a community and parent activity they have coming up at Wooster High School on Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. regarding the selection of the new superintendent and to also participate in surveys as well.
President Smith says, "I want every parent to know that this is the next potential leader of our district. We want every single family involved in this, even if it doesn't feel like a decision that's going to affect you directly. This is the person that's leading our district into its next chapter."
Although they did a nationwide search, three of their five applicants are actually from the Washoe County School District.
"We had candidates all across America who presented themselves and as a result of that search and the things the community told us they were looking for in a Superintendent," said President Smith. "These are the five finalists that have made it to this step."
Just yesterday, one of the finalists, Dr. Christopher Bernier, removed his name from contention and was replaced by Dr. Paul Lamarca, a longtime member of the district.
"One of the things that's been very important to us that we've been very public about is a commitment to Washoe County," President Smith explains. "So, if any candidate doesn't feel like Washoe County is their next and forever home then I encourage them to find where that right place is and for Dr. Bernier, we wish him the very best and appreciate he is following wherever his path is going to take him."
