Spokane superintendent finalist withdraws

One of three finalists to be the next Spokane Public Schools superintendent has withdrawn his name, school officials announced Monday. Gregory Firn of Wadesboro, N.C., cited personal reasons, said Terren Roloff, district spokeswoman. The Spokane school board will move forward with other finalists, Shelley Redinger, who leads the Spotsylvania County Schools in Virginia, with 23,844 students; and Alexander Apostle, who leads Missoula County Public Schools, with 8,750 students. The search to replace Superintendent Nancy Stowell began in January. After Illinois-based Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates recruiters reviewed 652 online surveys and spoke with more than 330 Spokane residents, community leaders and school employees in 32 focus groups, they began hunting for the ideal candidate. Board members reviewed 22 applicants’ credentials before selecting six semifinalists. The three finalists were selected on Saturday, but Firn withdrew on Sunday. Qualities such as experience in a large district and demonstrated effective leadership put candidates at the top of the list. School district employees and community members will have the opportunity to weigh in on whether the finalists meet the desired criteria. Board members will consider all feedback before selecting the new leader. A new superintendent likely will be named by the end of April, and that person will take over on July 1.