Front of the D.C. Everest School District administration building. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WESTON, WI (WSAU) — D.C. Everest Director of Student Services Jeff Lindell and Assistant Superintendent for Learning Casey Nye both made their pitch to the community on Thursday for the district’s Superintendent position.
Nye opened by discussing his path to the Everest Administration office beginning with some memories of being on the “wrong side of the principal’s desk” during his school days. “In those moments- to describe my school days- I wouldn’t have said ‘I love it, I want to be here every day.’ But in those tough moments, those were the times that led me into education.”
He would go on to serve as the Everest Middle School Principal, meaning Thursday’s forum in the Middle School Theater was a bit of a full-circle moment for him. Nye added that if he were to get the job, he would see himself as the caretaker of the district as a community asset. “We are super fortunate to have a wonderful connection to our community. To have the opportunity to protect that, keep it strong, and be a part of that as we go forward is a humbling opportunity.”
Lindell made his pitch by first praising Kristine Gilmore, who will be retiring as Superintendent this summer, as one of a kind. Following her and other leaders, Lindell says he feels like he’s found his own grove when it comes to leadership. “I need to be myself. To really identify what is it I want to emulate and what is it I want to do differently in different positions.
“If I try to be [Kristine Gilmore] I will fail,” he added.
Lindell described himself as a life-long learner, adding he feels his career has been defined by doing what’s best for the kids in the district.
Both candidates were given about an hour to make their pitch in the form of an opening statement and responses to 12 questions coming from other district leaders, students, and community stakeholders. Topics ranged from involving students and faculty in the education process, leadership styles, and the Superintendent’s role in the district. Each candidate was also asked to give a self-assessment of their strengths and shortcomings as they relate to the position.
Lindell and Nye will each have one more chance to make their pitch to the Board of Education next week when they conduct closed session interviews. The Board plans to select a preferred candidate by mid-March.
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