Superintendent search enters new phase

The search for a new superintendent to replace Summer Stephens has entered a new phase, reports Greg McKenzie, a search consultant.

The announcement was posted on the Churchill County School District AppliTrack online application system in early February. A number of organizations picked up the application, and the Nevada Association of School Administrators circulated the vacancy announcement to its membership.

McKenzie said information was circulated to superintendents, school principals and other administrators in 10 western states.

The application deadline was March 6, although McKenzie said the position is technically open until filled.

“We receive 23 candidate applications by the deadline with the majority having a Nevada connection,” he told trustees.

The search committee has begun screening the applications, and McKenzie said a recommendation list will be provided to the trustees on March 22 at a special board meeting.

McKenzie said interviews should be planned during the week of April 10-15 and held in the public session of the board meeting. After April 14 or 15, he said the board should choose three to four candidates for further consideration.

Stephens, who became superintendent in 2018, submitted her resignation effective at the end of her contract year June 30. At the time, Stephens said most likely her family will return to their home state of Nebraska where she will pursue new opportunities.

Stephens was recently named the state’s Superintendent of the Year.

In 2022, both school districts in Churchill and Mineral counties received the first district-wide Purple Star School Designations in Nevada. These honors were awarded in recognition of each district school being named Purple Star Schools.