UPDATE

WAITSBURG-After interviews with staff and community members held on March 13, the Waitsburg School Board of Directors voted to offer the superintendent and elementary principal position to David Woods. The unanimous decision was announced on the district's website and on social media on Friday, March 17, 2023. Pending contract negotiations, Wood will start July 1, 2023.

Chairman of the Board, Dr. Carol Clarke said in the announcement, "The Board of Directors is excited to invite David Woods to join the District's team as Superintendent/Elementary Principal. Having been an Elementary Principal, a Secondary Principal and an Assistant Superintendent/Special Education Director, Mr. Woods has a wealth of skills and knowledge which will be invaluable to our district. He is committed to living in Waitsburg and desires to serve our community, as well as our schools."

Mr. Woods, who currently serves as principal of Eastmont Junior High School in East Wenatchee, said, "I am so excited to have been chosen as the new Waitsburg Superintendent. The minute I visited, I was certain that Waitsburg would be a great place to live and work. Then Monday when I met the staff, school board and community members, those feelings of excitement grew. I knew instantly that this was my place and these were my people. It is with humility and gratitude that I come to serve the Waitsburg community and school district."

The following was published before the March 17 announcement.

WAITSBURG-The Waitsburg School Board invited the public to a candidate forum on Monday, March 13. The four superintendent/elementary principal candidates spent the day in town to meet staff, board members, and the community.

School staff directed community members to sit at the four corners of the high school gym. The candidates took turns speaking to the four groups, allowing time for questions and comments. Handouts were given at the door, including brief resumes from the candidates and feedback forms.

Aaron Daniel Chavez, Rebecca Estock, Tony Howard, and David Woods each shared their past experiences, strengths, and values. If selected, Chavez, Estock, and Woods said they would move to Waitsburg. Estock would bring her school-age children, and Woods and Chavez have adult children.

Tony Howard has two kids in high school and promised to let them finish school in Richland. However, he would commute from Richland, staying over in Waitsburg as needed until his kids graduate.

The candidates offered a variety of qualifying strengths and experience. They shared similar approaches to discipline, special education, community outreach, and parent and staff support. Parents and community members asked questions about the candidates' experience and what they would bring to the city and the Waitsburg School District.

After the last rotation, audience members filled out the questionnaires. The school board took the forms to review during its closed executive session held after the event.

The district will announce its decision on who will be the next superintendent/elementary principal this month.