School district down to four candidates for superintendent

The Wrangell School Board has narrowed down the list to four superintendent applicants to succeed Debbie Lancaster, who plans to leave the job June 30. Three of the four candidates work in Alaska, and one is from California.

The board met in executive session Saturday to review applications, and announced in a Sunday press release the four finalists who will be interviewed: Joseph Aldridge, of California; Tim Bauer, of Juneau; Bill Burr, of Delta Junction; and Ralph Watkins, of Hoonah.

A virtual meet-and-greet with the candidates is planned for 6:30 p.m. tonight.

Aldridge has 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal and superintendent according to the Wrangell School District. He currently works as superintendent of the Columbia Union School District in California. He holds a bachelor's degree in special education, a master's degree in educational leadership, and a California administrative services credential.

Bauer has 10 years of experience as a teacher, special education director, principal and superintendent. He works as the human resources director of the Juneau School District. He holds Alaska teaching certificates in secondary English and special education, a master's degree in educational leadership, and an Alaska superintendent endorsement.

Burr has 20 years of experience as a school administrator across Alaska, 18 years at a district level. He works as assistant superintendent at the Delta/Greely School District. He holds a bachelor's degree in social science, a master's degree in educational leadership, and is pursuing an Alaska superintendent endorsement.

Watkins has 12 years of experience in education, the past seven as a school administrator. He works as the superintendent of Hoonah City Schools. He holds an Alaska teaching certificate in elementary education and an Alaska superintendent endorsement.

The board will interview the finalists March 5 - via teleconference, due to COVID-19 precautions.

The new superintendent is expected to start July 1 to replace Lancaster, who has served as district superintendent since 2018. Lancaster in October offered her resignation, effective at the end of her contract June 30.

The public can attend tonight's meet-and-greet

with the four finalists via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84889558530?pwd=U3doejlVK1VlTFBsR3RaTktBTng0QT09; meeting ID 848 8955 8530, passcode: 633978.

 

Reader Comments(0)