The Austin School Board will interview the two finalists for the interim superintendent’s job Thursday afternoon.

Wednesday, June 27, 2001

The Austin School Board will interview the two finalists for the interim superintendent’s job Thursday afternoon.

Corrine Johnson, superintendent of Onamia Public Schools, will speak with the board at 3:30 p.m. Candace Raskin, principal at Banfield Elementary School in Austin, will speak at 5 p.m. Both interviews are open to the public.

Johnson has been working as superintendent in Onamia since 1998. Prior to that, she served for 10 years as director of instruction for Huron School District in Huron, S.D.

Raskin has worked for the district for 13 years, and also has served as gifted-and-talented coordinator and director of educational services. She recently completed course work for a doctorate at the University of Minnesota. Additionally, she is active in the Austin Education Foundation, which awarded $30,000 in grants to local education programs.

According to Julie Jensen, district human resources director, Raskin has met all the requirements for her superintendent’s license, which is required for the position.

The board will announce later its choice to replace Dr. James Hess, who leaves the district on Friday for a position in Colorado.

A nationwide search will be held later in the school year.

"We would advertise that all over the United States," Jensen said, "probably after the first of the year, in early 2002. Searches can take up to six months for a superintendent.

"With the late nature of Dr. Hess’ resignation, we just felt that most people who are interviewing for superintendent positions already have signed contracts for next year, so that’s why we decided to do an interim, so that we would have more time to do a full, a national search."

Call Sam Garchik at 434-2233 or e-mail him at newsroom@austindailyherald.com.