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Anchorage School District Board Selects Two Finalists for Superintendent

Candidates to participate in meet-and-greet to talk with staff and community

The Anchorage School Board named the two finalists in its search for the next superintendent. The candidates are Steve Atwater, current superintendent of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District in Soldotna, Alaska; and Jim Browder, former superintendent of Lee County School District in Fort Meyers, Florida.

"The board went through a very involved process, working hard to examine every application we received," said board President Gretchen Guess. "We ranked candidates by the stated criteria, and deliberated on who we believe was the best fit for our community, could lead our district, and take it to the next level."

The board reviewed more than 150 applications, containing more than 1,600 pages of candidate information.

The two finalists, Atwater and Browder, will each participate in a three-day on-site visit in early January to continue the interview process, learn more about the district, speak with staff and students, and meet members of the community.

"We are excited to have Jim and Steve come to our community. They both are outstanding leaders with great experience and vision," said Guess.

Each candidate's application packet is available online at www.asdk12.org/school_board/superintendent_search/index.asp.

Candidate selection process

September
Community feedback on desired criteria of the new superintendent

October
Job opening posted, board began accepting application

November 10
Application period closed. Board received more than 150 applications containing an excess of 1,600 pages.

November 11 - December 6

Board ranked applicants based on criteria

Following in-depth discussion, each board member selected their top seven candidates

Five candidates rose to the top - they included traditional and non-traditional, as well as in-state and out-of-state candidates.

Board conducted Skype video interviews with each of the five semi-finalists

Based on the interviews and applications, the board collectively felt two candidates were the most ready to lead the district

January 5-14
Each finalist will participate in a separate on-site visit. Tentative schedule includes the following:

Two-hour interviews with the board both at the beginning and end of on-site visits

School tours and visits with a cross-section of students at select schools.

Community forum to meet parents, students, staff and public.

Meet-and-greets with the following Mayor and Anchorage Assembly members

Senior ASD staff

Cross-section of school principals

Media availability, including live interview on local talk radio show

Ability to ask questions of the current superintendent

Mid-late January - tentative Candidate selected, contract finalized

February-June - tentative Transition process

July 1, 2012 - tentative New superintendent leads ASD