Washougal schools superintendent search narrows

The hunt for the next superintendent of Washougal schools is heating up.

This week, the Washougal School District Board of Directors selected four final candidates to advance to the interview process.

The community is invited to hear the candidates speak during the interview session, from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 25, in the Columbia River Gorge Elementary/Jemtegaard Middle School commons, 35300 S.E. Evergreen Hwy., Washougal.

The four superintendent candidates all come from Washington State school districts, and include: JoAnne Fabian, chief academic officer for Tukwila School District; Jared Hoadley, assistant superintendent of the Mead School District; Ellen Perconti, superintendent of the Mary M. Knight School District, in Elma; and Mary Templeton, human resources director for certified personnel in the Spokane Public Schools district.

One of these candidates will take over for current Washougal Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Stromme, who is moving into his new position as associate superintendent for administration in the Vancouver School District in July.

As the chief academic officer, Fabian oversees curriculum, professional development, family engagement, highly capable and categorical programs in Tukwila.

Hoadley has held various roles in the Mead School District, including executive director of student services, harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) compliance officer and the public records officer.

Perconti was also a finalist for the superintendent position in the Ellensburg School District this year, according to The Daily Record newspaper. The Tri-City Herald reported that Perconti was a finalist in the search for the Columbia-Burbank School District, but withdrew her name from consideration.

As the director for certified personnel, Templeton provides support to district administration regarding certificated staff, oversees hiring and works with union representatives to resolve certificated employee grievances related to hiring, certification and accountability. Templeton was a finalist in the search for the superintendent for Prosser School District this year.