American Falls narrows search for new superintendent

AMERICAN FALLS — The American Falls School District has narrowed its superintendent’s search to three candidates, including one of its own.

The finalists include current American Falls middle school principal and former state superintendent’s candidate Randy Jensen; Teton School District superintendent Monte Woolstehulme; and Parma High School principal David Carson.

Trustees selected the finalists from a pool of 16 candidates earlier this month, according to a news release on the district’s webpage.

Jensen has served as teacher and principal at American Falls’ William Thomas Middle School since 1985. Last year, Jensen said he was finished with state-level politics after he lost in a hotly contested four-way race in the GOP primary for the state superintendency. He ran second to Sherri Ybarra, who went on to defeat Democrat Jana Jones in the general election.

Woolstenhulme has served as Teton’s superintendent for the last 10 years, and has worked previously as a principal in the Swan Valley Elementary District and as a teacher at Teton. He was also a finalist for a recent superintendent’s vacancy in Twin Falls. Carson has served as Parma High School’s principal for the last 10 years, and previously worked as an administrator at Caldwell and Aberdeen high schools.

Board chairman Bruce Hauber said trustees will interview the candidates Tuesday. Patrons will then be able to attend a “meet and greet” at American Falls High School at 7 p.m.

“We encourage our patrons to come and meet the candidates” said Hauber, adding that comment cards will be available for patrons. Hauber said trustees will review public comments, then make a final decision later next week.

Devin Bodkin

Devin Bodkin

EdNews assistant editor and reporter Devin Bodkin is a former high school English teacher who specializes in stories about charter schools and educating students who live in poverty. He lives and works in East Idaho. Follow Devin on Twitter @dsbodkin. He can be reached by email at [email protected].

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