Interviews underway for new superintendent
Staff writer
Personnel associated with Marion-Florence USD 408 have been putting their best foot forward in recent days showing the district to several individuals all vying for the position of superintendent of schools.
Five candidates for the top job were selected Jan. 21 during a special board of education meeting.
The five candidates selected were Doug Powers of Shawnee, Drew Harris of Burrton, Randl (Randy) G. Rivers of Alma, Lee Leiker of Johnson, and Donald E. Blome of Burlingame.
Interviews began this past Friday and extend through Tuesday. During the process, the candidates experience a full day in the district complete with several interviews with administrators, certified staff, support staff, and the board of education, facility tours, and a reception hosted by Marion Chamber of Commerce.
During the first reception Friday, superintendent candidate Doug Powers said he was very impressed with the district.
"You have a good set of schools and a good set of people," Powers said. "This is a process where we're both interviewing each other. The district is interviewing me and we (wife and I) are interviewing the district.
"The climate in all the schools is so supportive and the teachers seem so happy. I hope we get the opportunity to come here," Powers said.
Currently, Powers is the executive director of educational services with USD 232 DeSoto Public Schools. Prior to that time, he was the director of educational services with the district, an elementary principal with USD 503 Parsons Public Schools, a fifth grade teacher with USD 409 El Dorado Public Schools, and also a kindergarten teacher with the district. He also served as a high school coach for USD 253 Emporia Public Schools.
Powers said he was interested in Marion-Florence due to the size of the district, and also because he originally was from El Dorado.
"It's much like here," he said.
During the second Chamber reception Monday, Drew Harris said he was impressed with the community and the "positive, up-to-date schools."
"You have lovely facilities, extremely friendly people, a quality educational program," Harris said. "I think this would be a lovely place to raise a family."
Currently, Harris is the superintendent of schools for the Burrton Unified School District, a position he has held since 1998. Prior to that, he was the principal/athletic director at Burrton High School. Earlier, he taught math at Clearwater High School in Clearwater, was head wrestling coach, and assistant football coach.
The interview for candidate Randy Rivers was Tuesday, while Don Blome was to be interviewed today (Wednesday). The final interview for candidate Lee Leiker will be held Tuesday.
