Josh Middleton (left) and Jennifer Kindle

Josh Middleton (left) and Jennifer Kindle

2 finalists chosen for Granite Falls schools superintendent

The public is invited to meet them Tuesday. A new leader is set to begin in July.

GRANITE FALLS — The search for the next superintendent of the Granite Falls School District has been narrowed to two candidates.

They are Jennifer Kindle, of the Selah School District near Yakima, and Josh Middleton, of the Middleton School District in Idaho. They were chosen by the school board Thursday night.

Both are scheduled to return for second interviews on Tuesday. They’ll meet with students, staff, parents and others who live in the district, spokeswoman Melanie Freeman said.

Kindle has been the executive director of student learning in Selah for three years. Before that she spent about 15 years as a high school principal.

She received her master’s degree in education from Central Washington University, and in 2009 earned superintendent credentials from Washington State University.

Middleton is now the superintendent of the school district in Idaho. Before that, he spent nine years as a high school teacher and coach. He then moved into administration.

He’s spent a total of three decades working in education. Most of that time has been in Montana schools.

Granite Falls Superintendent Linda Hall announced her retirement in February. She’s been with the district for about eight years. Her final day is set for June 30.

In all, the district received 35 applications. From those, the school board chose five people to interview.

All with ties to the district are invited to meet Kindle and Middleton from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, at the Crossroads Commons, 205 N. Alder Ave., Granite Falls. Attendees are asked to give input after.

The new district leader is expected to begin on July 1.

Stephanie Davey: 425-339-3192; sdavey@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @stephrdavey.

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