ARLINGTON — Three candidates, all with ties to Snohomish County, are finalists to become the next superintendent of the Arlington School District.
The Arlington School Board plans to decide by March 1 on a replacement for retiring Superintendent Linda Byrnes.
The finalists are:
Christine Burgess, a teacher and elementary school principal in Marysville for 20 years before becoming assistant superintendent of elementary learning in Lake Stevens and then superintendent of the East Valley School District in Spokane.
Warren Hopkins, who has spent the past 14 years in the Arlington School District as a high school principal, assistant superintendent and deputy superintendent.
Kristine McDuffy, former high school principal and superintendent in the Lakewood School District who now leads a principal and superintendent certification program for Western Washington University.
“We’re very happy with the three finalists,” said Kay Duskin, the school board president. Finding a new superintendent “is the most important decision a school board makes.”
The district received nine applications, including several from out-of-state candidates, Duskin said.
Hopkins, 53, said the Arlington superintendent’s job is the only post he is seeking.
“Arlington is my home,” he said. “I have taken some leadership with our curriculum and school construction projects, and I think people know I’m committed to Arlington.”
McDuffy, 48, said she’s eager to get back to running a school district.
“It has been tugging at me to get back to district-level leadership,” she said. “It really is a calling.”
Burgess could not be reached for comment. She is also one of three finalists for the Granite Falls School District superintendent opening. A series of question-and-answer forums is set for Feb. 12-14, with each candidate touring the schools on an assigned day.
The candidates will spend nearly 12 hours meeting with groups of teachers, administrators, students and residents.
“We need to see how they think on their feet,” Duskin said. “It is a long, grueling day.”
Meeting times with residents are set for 4:45 to 6 p.m. at the Haller Middle School Library, 600 E. First St., in Arlington. Hopkins will tour the district Feb. 12; Burgess on Feb. 13 and McDuffy on Feb. 14.
It has been more than a decade since the Arlington School District has had to find a new superintendent.
Byrnes, 61, is in her 12th year of leading the district and is considered the dean of Snohomish County school superintendents.
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or e-mail stevick@heraldnet.com.
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