MONTE VISTA— The Monte Vista School District announced the finalists for its new superintendent search at the regular meeting of the board of education on Thursday, May 9. After emerging from an executive session with the search committee, the board announced four individuals who proceeded to interviews with the board, administration, staff, parents and the community. The interviews were held yesterday, Tuesday May 14.

The finalists are Gabe Futrell, principal of Bill Metz Elementary School; Sarah White, senior literacy consultant with the Colorado Department of Education and Scott Wiedeman, principal of Monte Vista High School. Phillip Rect had also been chosen as a finalist and invited to interviews, but has voluntarily withdrawn.

The search was prompted by the resignation of current superintendent Rob Webb. Webb has served the school district as superintendent for nearly nine years. He resigned his position in Monte Vista to accept a new one in Missouri. Webb has overseen great improvements to the school budget and helped to give a greater voice to rural school districts with the Colorado Department of Education.

At the Thursday night meeting Board President Matt Nehring described the rest of the process that will occur throughout the months of May and June. Nehring also took time to state that all the candidates who were selected were highly qualified. The selection committee for finalists acted independently and reviewed applications based on qualifications.

According to Nehring, Colorado state law prescribes that an offer of employment for a new superintendent cannot be made until 14 days after finalists have been publicly announced. Therefore, a decision will likely not be known until towards the end of this month. It is hoped the new superintendent will have time to meet with Webb to get to know the position and the entire district a bit better.
The applications and application materials of the finalists are also available to members of the public and district to review. This does not include references or medical records. The applications may be viewed at the District Administration Office during regular business hours.
A new superintendent will officially begin the job on July 1.