Who will be Seattle Public Schools next Superintendent?
That is the question as Dr. Larry Nyland prepares to leave the position in the coming months. Nyland has held the top job since 2015. His current salary is $301,000 a year. Nyland's last day is June 30th.
Seattle Public Schools received 63 applications and conducted five interviews before narrowing the search down to three finalists. The candidates being considered are Denise Juneau, who was State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Montana, Dr. Andre Spencer, Superintendent of Harrison School District Two in Colorado Springs, and Jeanice Kerr Swift, Superintendent of Schools in the Ann Arbor Public Schools.
Thursday afternoon, the finalists met with reporters and answered questions before attending a public forum.
When asked if they would support arming teachers in the classroom, all three finalists said no.
"I believe the presence of a gun by anyone other than a licensed officer runs against everything we are hardwired to do in education," said Swift.
"There are too many problems with it and too many things can go wrong as a result of it," said Juneau.
"I don't think that students would want to see their teachers carrying guns, they want to see their teachers teach," said Spencer.
When asked whether they would support student walkouts, all three finalists said yes.
"To have them expressing their first amendment rights, I am all for it," said Juneau. "The earlier you learn to engage in those kinds of processes, I think our communities, our city, and our country are better for it."
"This is where we provide students the opportunity to express their voice," said Spencer.
"To me, it is a very exciting time as students lift their voices, stand up, walkout, and take a stand for student safety," said Swift.
All three finalists explained why they want the opportunity to lead Seattle Public Schools.
"I am attracted to the leadership challenge in the areas that Seattle is challenged in, being able to successfully manage the growth that continues in Seattle, and secondly, that idea of closing disparities for students," said Swift.
"I would really like to be the top advocate, working with the board and the staff here to really highlight the good things that are happening in this district, and also tackle some of the big issues. I think I have a good track record of doing that," said Juneau.
"What interests me is the boldness I see in Seattle Public Schools, the boldness around really tackling a big issue around equity and closing the opportunity gap," said Spencer. "I think the diversity of this city is extremely pleasing and exciting."
According to Kim Schmanke, SPS spokesperson, the finalists will have another interview with school board members on Friday. The school board is expected to decide which candidate to offer a contract to next week.
