Cda Picks New Chief Of Schools

David Rawls of Moses Lake will be the next superintendent of the Coeur d’Alene School District.

Rawls, 55, was one of three finalists for the job. He was the unanimous choice of the school board, winning the post over Richard Cole of Colville, Wash., and Richard Gregory of Emporia, Kan.

“It was a tough choice,” said board chair Wanda Quinn. “The candidates were all qualified and the board spent a long time deliberating.”

The search process has been extensive. Quinn said she was glad the school board hired the consulting firm of Coble and Marshall to screen candidates. While that cost the district $15,000, Quinn said the consultants’ reputation helped bring in good candidates.

“Rather than finding people who were out of work, we found candidates who were working, and happy with their work,” Quinn.

Coble and Marshall screened the 36 applicants. The board interviewed seven.

The thorough background checks made it unnecessary for board members to visit the finalists’ towns as they had anticipated, Quinn said.

Rawls was vacationing Friday and unavailable for comment. But in a Thursday letter of acceptance to the board, he said he looks forward to the challenge of a larger school district.

“I am pleased to be coming to a community with pride in education and working with a business community eager to be a strong partner with the schools,” he wrote.

Rawls added that he expects to work with North Idaho College to develop a seamless kindergarten through junior college curriculum.

Rawls, 55, has worked nine years as an administrator in Moses Lake. He has been superintendent for the past three years.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington State University and a master’s degree from Seattle University. He has completed course work on his doctorate.

His salary still is being negotiated. Contract details will be settled by June 1, Quinn said.

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