LPOSD picks Woodward as new 'super'

SANDPOINT — Superintendent candidate Shawn Woodward can rest easy knowing he passed his final exam.

After a full day of interviews, staff meetings and community forums, the Lake Pend Oreille School District board decided to offer Woodward the superintendent position. School board vice-chair Mindy Cameron said it didn’t take long to reach a favorable consensus.

“We were unanimous in thinking he would be good for the district,” Cameron said.

Although board members initially planned to select three finalists for the superintendent position, Woodward ended up the only candidate that measured up to their considerable standards.

“We have a very high benchmark in this district given the excellent superintendent we’ve had in Dick Cvitanich,” Cameron said.

With that standard in mind, board members determined to only select candidates that possessed the combination education credentials, professional achievement and a sociable, articulate personality. In the board’s estimation, only Woodward met those requirements, so they scrapped plans for three days of sequential candidate interviews in favor of a single Tuesday event.

According to Cameron, Woodward knocked his day of interviews out of the park. Everyone she talked to, from staff members to residents, were impressed with his poise and thoughtful answers.

“I think the results speak for themselves,” Cameron said. “He fared very well (throughout the day).”

Woodward has accepted the job offer, and after he and the district iron out a few contractual details, the transition will be official. Board members expect to sign the final contracts at their May 22 meeting. After that, Woodward will step in for his first day of work on July 1.

While board members are sorry to see Cvitanich go, they’re also eager for the future with Woodward serving as a leader.

“I would say we are unanimous in our satisfaction and are very happy about this outcome,” Cameron said.