Dayton to Open Principal Search

DAYTON - The Dayton School District has elected to interview additional candidates for the position of secondary principal at the recommendation of Superintendent Doug Johnson.

Last month the school board authorized a series of public meetings aimed at helping them decide whether to offer Interim Principal Kate Wenzl the permanent position or open the job to outside applicants.

Wenzl is a top choice, Johnson said following last week's school board meeting, but a thorough and competitive selection process would provide the best opportunity for Wenzl and the district to demonstrate how important it is that a worthy candidate serve as the leader of Dayton's Junior/Senior High School.

"We are very happy with the work Mrs. Wenzl has been doing so far," Johnson said. "Our goal, of course, is to ensure we do the best we can to provide the best principal for our kids. This process will provide Mrs. Wenzl an opportunity to defeat all comers and ensure there is no question that she was the best candidate.

"This has nothing to do with the work she has been doing," he said, "but about making sure nobody can take that away from her."

Wenzl met with the school board, school employees, parents and community members, student leaders, the superintendent, elementary principal, and other administrative staff between Dec. 3 and 17. Johnson said approximately 25-30 people attended most of the meetings, each giving fairly positive feedback.

"There were a lot of positive comments about the work she's done and we're hoping to build on that," Johnson said.

The tentative date set for posting the position is Jan. 12, Johnson said. The board hopes to have the permanent secondary principal selected by the end of March.