3 finalists for Monroe schools chief to meet with public

MONROE — Finalists for the Monroe School District superintendent are to visit schools and answer questions at three public forums this week.

The Monroe School Board narrowed the search from more than 20 applications for the district’s top educator. Three candidates were chosen as finalists after interviews Saturday.

The public can question them at forums scheduled from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Monroe High School’s performing arts center, 17001 Tester Road.

Michelle Johnstone, superintendent of the Brush School District in Brush, Colorado, will attend the forum Tuesday.

Johnstone has a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Northern Colorado, and expertise in linguistics and Spanish. She has taught at the University of Northern Colorado and in Colorado elementary schools. She was also an elementary principal.

Timothy Nootenboom, executive director for elementary teaching and learning in the Central Valley School District near Spokane, is to be in Monroe on Wednesday.

Nootenboom has a master’s degree in administration and has completed the superintendent program at Washington State University. He has worked as a principal in Washington’s Snoqualmie Valley, Colfax and St. John Endicott school districts. He also has been a teacher.

Fredrika Smith, chief academic officer for the Puyallup School District, will be in Monroe on Thursday. She is also a lecturer at the University of Washington Bothell, in a graduate program for educators.

Smith has a doctorate in education from the University of Washington. She has experience as a school administrator, assistant superintendent, assistant principal, teacher and behavior specialist. She has worked in several Washington school districts, including Mukilteo, Meridian, Stanwood-Camano and Marysville.

The School Board is expected to announce its choice of superintendent by the end of the month. Superintendent Ken Hoover is retiring from his $211,692-a-year position June 30.

Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.

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