Kim Krogfoss speaks to the Devils Lake School Board at the July 19 7 a.m. meeting.
The Devils Lake School Board met at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19 in the Sports Center to discuss the results of the interviews of the three candidates for Devils Lake School Superintendent.
First up was Kim Krogfoss who chaired the committee made up of teachers, administrators and parents that had interviewed all three candidates; Cheryl Peterson, superintendent from Drayton, ND; Jay Slade, superintendent at Dakota Prairie and and Ned Klooten, principal at Wahpeton.
Krogfoss was very complementary of all three candidates, but stated the committee selected Klooten who she said, “rose above the other two applicants.”
Then board president, Cory Meyer, thanked her and the committee she’d chaired and brought the discussion to the school board members. Each board member was given the chance to share whatever they wanted to, strengths and weaknesses they had observed and to give their recommendations.
“I’ll start,” Meyer said. Then he talked about both candidates Slade and Klooten, “I think both would do a great job, they demonstrated the potential to move the district forward and we’d not have to worry about an interim superintendent” and board member Sheri Olson agreed with him, adding her observations.
LeeAnn Johnston said her only hesitation was that Klooten had no experience as a superintendent at all, but as soon as he walked in the door she was impressed with him.
Steve Halldorson pointed out what he saw as favorable, that “he has a good network with other superintendents that he could go to as a resource and that they were willing to help, and stating ‘whatever you need just call.’ “
Halldorson also pointed out the valuable resources right here at the district with Melissa and Kristel and all the local administration as “great resources” and “huge assets.”
Jason Hodous pointed out that of all three candidates, Klooten had a plan, “the others didn’t” and that no doubt there will be “some growing pains for a while no matter who we hire.”
The ensuing discussion brought out positives of one candidate over the others including; “progressive,” “more outgoing,” “hold people to do their best,” “high expectations,” and “confidence.”
All the board members were impressed that “He asked us what we were proud of about the district AND what we were concerned about.” And that he had asked those same questions of both groups interviewing him.
When called for the vote, it was unanimous to offer the position to Ned Klooten specifically noting his “strong passion for students.”
The board then went into executive session to iron out the details of the contract they would offer him when they called.
Update: Klooten did accept the offer when the president of the School Board called him later that same day. All details will be finalized at the next school board meeting planned for 5 p.m. on July 27 in the Sport Center.
