Washoe County School District has narrowed the field of superintendent candidates down to five, and this week those finalists will be in town to field questions from the community.
Tuesday morning two of the finalists, Harrison Peters, chief of schools for the Chicago Public School System, and Paul LaMarca, chief accountability officer for WCSD, made their appearances at a media briefing.
The two candidates got the chance to tell us why each one thinks he is the right person for the job.
"I think my experience as a teacher, as an assistant principal, as a dean, as a principal, and now the chief really prepared me for the work," Peters said.
"I have been a very big part of the development and implementation of the strategic plan, and so I am very well-suited to lead us going forward," LaMarca said.
Harrison and LaMarca fielded questions about their visions for WCSD, the budget, their experiences, and why they want the job.
One of the five finalists will be taking over for Dr. Heath Morrison, who made increasing graduation rates one of his highest priorities. An audience member asked how they would continue that legacy.
"Our graduation rates should increase, our test performance should increase," LaMarca said. "We should see narrowing of the gap. But then I think on a more qualitative basis, people need to feel good about having their children in our schools."
"To me it's lifting the floor and the ceiling simultaneously," Peters said, "and yes, obviously, increasing graduation rates, but making sure that the quality of the diploma is at the level of expectation as well."
There are several town hall meetings coming up for anyone who would like to meet the finalists. For the schedule, and to check out their resumes, click here.
The board of trustees plans to make a final decision by August.
Written by Arianna Bennett
