This afternoon the Salida School District’s Board of Education distributed the following press release announcing the culmination of what was one of the most thorough employee selection processes ever undertaken in our community. The Superintendent search and selection included a vast array of stakeholder groups from teachers, support staff and students to parents, retirees, business owners and government officials. -ss
SALIDA, CO 4/12/10 — The Salida R-32-J School Board announced the selection of the new superintendent at an open-session School Board meeting. With the help of over 50 people, the superintendent search committee, including district staff, parents, students, and the community, the school board voted unanimously to hire Darryl Webb, of Colorado Springs, CO as their new superintendent of schools.
Mr. Webb is presently the superintendent of Hanover School District in Colorado Springs, where he began in 2008. He was the Assistant Superintendent in Wiggins School District, where he started as an Elementary School Principal and was also their Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He spent fourteen years as a Science Instructor for grades 7-12. Before becoming an educator, Mr. Webb spent twelve years with the Bureau of Land Management in Canon City where he was a Supervisor and Trainer of national firefighting crews. He received a Master’s in Educational Leadership at Colorado State University in 2002. He comes to our district with over 23 years of experience in education.
Board President Lezlie Burkley said, “We had four strong final candidates. Each had a different leadership style and a different set of strengths. Mr. Darryl Webb was a unanimous top finalist among all four interview committees. He also received positive comments from our student group that met with the candidates.”
Mr. Webb was selected from amongst sixteen candidates and chosen over three other finalists: Dr. Rocco Fuschetto, current Superintendent of Swink School District in Swink, CO, Dr. Brenda Krage, current Executive Director of Secondary Career and Technical Education for Pueblo City Schools, in Pueblo, CO, and Dr. Julia Roark, current Instruction Specialist for Moriarty-Edgewood School District, in Moriarty, NM.
Board Member Rusty Granzella stated, “Our offer to Mr. Webb is based on a community review consensus that felt he has the qualities that will work well in the Salida School District.
Board Member Penny Wilken added, “The fact that Mr. Webb was a top choice amongst the three community committees confirmed what the Board observed as well. Mr. Webb demonstrated knowledge, experience, and integrity through the two day intensive interview process. We look forward to having him join our District.” Mr. Webb’s contract will begin July 1, 2010, but he and the board are already discussing visits that will begin before that time.
Mr. Webb, shared with us some of his thoughts, “First, I want to take the opportunity to thank the Salida Board of Education, the interview committees, the staff, and the students for a tremendous opportunity to serve as the next superintendent for Salida School District R-32-J. I’d also like to thank Superintendent John Rouse and Mayor Chuck Rose for taking the time to show us the district and for the community tour. The hospitality and reception received by all those involved in the selection process was simply amazing. I am very excited to start this new position as Superintendent and I am excited to work with the Board, staff, students, parents, and community members. I am committed to moving forward with a vision that focuses on student academic achievement, and one that also supports students in their extracurricular activities. I look forward to continuing to build a strong partnership with the community and strengthening relationships with staff, students, and parents, and hope to make a positive difference in the lives of all students. I have a collaborative leadership style and look forward to continuous input as we work together on many projects in the months and years to come. I believe in celebrating with students, staff, and all stakeholders on the little things, as well as on major achievements. I truly believe that we should be thankful for so many opportunities and accomplishments that we have, each and every day. I also know the value of feeling appreciated, and I appreciate the start of many relationships that have already begun in the Salida community. I will bring to your district and community a commitment to leadership, communication, and a dedication to improve district achievement, while maintaining the present effective programs and systems that are already in place.”
Susan Matthews, High School Librarian, Parent, and Salida Education Association Representative who served on the interview committee said, “First and foremost, Mr. Webb seemed to be an approachable man. He had done his research on the community of Salida, our schools, and the needs of our district in general. My team felt he was sincere in wanting to be part of this community, would support the great things we are already doing both academically and with our extra-curricular activities, but would also bring with him some innovative and fresh ideas.”
Kit Kuester, Parent and Longfellow and District Accountability member, who also served on the interview committee said, “I felt like the process was extremely thorough and it was very fair. We had four great candidates to choose from and I felt like we’d be lucky to have any of them. Mr. Webb was very personable, invested in kids, and down to earth.” Administrative Assistant, parent, and resume and interview committee member Nancy Jones, followed up with, “I think that Mr. Webb is well suited to our community and our District. He’s experienced and he has local ties and he is passionate about this area!”
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