PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend School Board has hired a search firm to find a replacement for David Engle, who is retiring from his position as district superintendent at the end of the school year.
The district has commissioned McPherson & Jacobson LLC in Omaha, Neb., to conduct the search. The company was the lone bidder for the job, according to board chair Nathanael O’Hara.
On March 14, the board unanimously voted to seek a permanent, rather than interim, superintendent to replace Engle.
Board members felt that hiring an interim superintendent would slow the district’s momentum.
O’Hara said he hopes the job will be posted by the end of this week.
An application and interview process, each taking about a month, will follow with the intention of having someone in place July 1.
McPherson & Jacobson, who brought Engle to the district in 2012, will charge the district $8,000 for its services, which include recruiting a permanent superintendent within the recommended timeline.
If no successful candidate emerges, the firm will aid in the selection of an interim superintendent and continue the search for a permanent replacement next year, O’Hara said.
Engle, 67, is credited with driving the creation of the Maritime Schools Initiative, a place-based learning program that injects maritime instruction into all curriculum levels.
During his tenure, voters approved a $40.9 million construction bond by 73.23 percent.
“When I came on board, I said I’d be here for three to five years,” Engle said after his retirement announcement March 1.
“We’ve accomplished some big things in that time, and passing the bond package was my Super Bowl as a superintendent.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
