Sidney School Board Names Finalists for Superintendent

The Sidney School Board met twice recently, in a Work Session on January 11, and in a Special Meeting on January 19, with the process of selecting a successor to current Superintendent Jay Ehler, who recently announced his retirement, on the agenda.

Shari Becker, Director of Search Service for the Nebraska Association of School Boards (NASB), met with the Board, via Zoom, in each of the meetings. In the Work Session, Becker detailed the leadership profile of the Superintendent position, and outlined the interview process, timeline and potential interview questions During the Special Meeting, Becker presented the Board with 8 applicants for the position.

After moving to closed session to discuss the candidates, the Board reconvened in open session and Board President Mike Palmer announced the finalists: Andrew Farber, Superintendent-Louisville Public Schools, Mark Joliffe, Principal-Wichita West High School, Dr. Wendy Kemling-Horner, Executive Director of Student Services-Scottsbluff Public Schools, Chris Lecher, Superintendent-Franklin Public Schools, and Brandon Ross, Principal-Sidney Public Schools. The Board also finalized the interview schedule and interview questions for candidates.

The interview process was to be held during Special Meetings of the School Board, on Tuesday, January 24, and Wednesday, January 25, with a target date of Thursday, January 26, for selection of the successful candidate, and offer of employment. Any potential contract, would then be verified on February 13, at the regular meeting of the School Board.