Cvitanich is finalist for Olympia post

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille School District Superintendent Dick Cvitanich could be moving westward if a Wednesday meeting goes well.

The school administrator has applied for the superintendent position in  Olympia School District, located in the Puget Sound area of Washington state. Cvitanich will travel to Olympia Tuesday night for an all-day Wednesday meeting from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the district’s school board, teachers, principals, parents and other interested individuals.

“For the most part, my reasons (for applying) are personal,” Cvitanich said.

According to Cvitanich, both he and his wife have several family members within the Puget Sound area, including his 87-year-old mother-in-law. The two had been discussing the possibility of moving closer to their family for some time. Nevertheless, Cvitanich didn’t decide to apply for the position until the late February deadline was nearly upon him.

“I’ve been very happy here at Lake Pend Oreille School District,” he said.

By the application deadline, the Olympia school board received 31 candidates for the position. They then narrowed that number down to three individuals. Cvitanich joins Lake Washington School District Special Services Administrator Jonathon Holmen and Port Angeles School District Assistant Superintendent Michelle Reid in the list of candidates for the position.

Cvitanich has been discussing the possibility of his departure with the LPOSD board since it became evident. However, he said replacement plans are still premature.

“Frankly, I’m not even sure I’m leaving yet,” he said.

Should Cvitanich win the position and move to Olympia, the school board will then begin fielding candidates for the local superintendent position.

However, even if he take the job, Cvitanich said the move won’t be easy.

“This has been a great place to work,” he said. “In the end, it’s all about the people you’re working with, and these are great people.”