WAITSBURG-Waitsburg School District Superintendent Dr. Jon Mishra has accepted a position with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) when he exits his position in Waitsburg at the end of June.

"At first, I was looking for a district-level position. When the OSPI position came up I decided to apply. After two interviews, I was hired," Mishra said.

Mishra, who will be the Director of the Title IA and LAP at OSPI said he is looking forward to a new challenge.

"I am looking forward to entering this phase of my career. Having been a school and district-based educational professional for 28 years, working at OSPI will provide a different perspective. I am intrigued by the opportunities it will bring," Mishra said.

"OSPI is doing wonderful work to support children. I want to learn from the folks there and be able to contribute to this process," he added.

Mishra tendered his resignation from Waitsburg in December, saying the family wanted to be closer to his two daughters who live in Corvallis, Ore. while one attends college at OSU and the other at Linn-Benton Community College.

Mishra said his family lived near that area from 1996-2006 and really enjoyed it.

"Some things have changed, but much of it has remained the same," he said. "It will get us closer to our daughters. Both are set to graduate next year. Hopefully, they will find jobs close to us."

In the meantime, Mishra remains focused on his current roles in Waitsburg.

"I will continue to provide 100% effort to my current positions in Waitsburg," Mishra said. "I will miss the students and committed staff the most."

Superintendent Search

The Waitsburg School Board will meet to review superintendent applications on April 8, with hopes of choosing five to seven applicants for preliminary interviews. Those interviews are planned for April 16-17 and will be observed by a panel of community members, students and district staff. Applications to sit on the observation interview panel are available on the Waitsburg School District website at waitsburgsd.org under "News" or they can be picked up at the District office in the elementary school. Applications must be returned by April 8.

The board hopes to be able to name a new superintendent by the end of April. The search process is being facilitated by education consultant Dr. Bill Jordan of Northwest Leadership Associates.