School for the Deaf narrows candidates

From: Oregonian, OR - Jun 5, 2003

VANCOUVER -- The Washington School for the Deaf board of trustees picked five candidates Wednesday who likely will be interviewed as finalists for the superintendent's job.

Their names will not be released until the interviews with the community and the board are scheduled.

The interviews could begin June 12. They likely will start with an evening forum where the community can meet each candidate and submit comments to the board, said Phyllis Gallegos, senior executive recruiter with the Washington Department of Personnel.

The board will recommend three finalists to Gov. Gary Locke, who has the final say on the school's new chief.

Eight hearing and nonhearing people from throughout the nation applied for the position, Gallegos said.

The previous superintendent, Leonard E. Aron, resigned in February after 31/2 years of controversy centering on student safety.

John Davis, retired Hockinson schools superintendent, was appointed interim superintendent after Aron stepped down. -- Jason Begay