LYNNWOOD — The search for the next Edmonds School District superintendent is nearly over.
After months of recruiting, the district is bringing in two candidates for final interviews. Gustavo Balderas is superintendent of the Eugene School District in Oregon and Deborah Rumbaugh is executive director of instructional leadership for the Highline School District in Burien.
“We are very excited to move forward with our top candidates and are confident one of them will be the right fit for our district’s needs,” said School Board President Dr. Deborah Kilgore. “We’ve been inspired by what these two professionals can bring to the table and look forward to introducing them to our community next week.”
In August, current superintendent Kristine McDuffy announced her plans to resign and then retire, effective June 30.
Deborah Rumbaugh
Earlier this week, the board met with seven semi-finalists and unanimously agreed on Balderas and Rumbaugh as the leading candidates.
Residents and families have a chance to meet both applicants during a public forum scheduled for Monday at Meadowdale High School. Balderas is scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Rumbaugh from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Final interviews and a closed-door school board vote to select a candidate are scheduled for Tuesday.
The district expects to announce its decision in late March or early April, once a contract with the selected applicant is signed.
McDuffy’s current annual salary is $294,284.
In addition to McDuffy, two cabinet members tendered resignations effective June 30, the district announced Friday.
Assistant Superintendent Justin Irish was hired to lead the Anacrortes School District. Kimberlee Armstrong, executive director of equity and public relations, will serve as assistant superintendent of the Tamalpais Union High School District in northern California.
Joey Thompson: 425-339-3449; jthompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @byjoeythompson.
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