Jewell School Board selects Alice L. Hunsaker as the next Superintendent
Concluding its search for a superintendent to succeed Interim Superintendent Larry Lockett whose term ends June 30, 2013, the Jewell School District Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Alice L. Hunsaker has been selected to be the district's next Superintendent effective July 1, 2013. Hunsaker and the Board are working on the terms of a tentative agreement that will be finalized at a public meeting
After lengthy discussions this year, the School Board decided to separate the responsibilities of Superintendent and Principal for Jewell School. We conducted an extensive search for a new superintendent to fill a ½ time position, and Alice Hunsaker emerged as the "right choice." Board Chair Matt Armstrong said, "She distinguished herself in the field of applicants throughout the search by demonstrating a record of proven success." The school board reviewed the candidate applications with the assistance of a screening committee representing staff, students and community. With help from some of the screeners, the Board conducted a rigorous round of initial interviews with several candidates, then, investigated the candidates' backgrounds and references. After the background checks, the Board invited Hunsaker and the other finalists for a "day in the district" at Jewell SD followed by a second interview with the Board. A team of board members also visited her current employer at Lake County Education Service District located in Lakeview, Oregon where she is currently the Superintendent. While there, the site visit team interviewed numerous staff and community members about her educational and leadership skills. All those interviewed had high praise for Hunsaker’s knowledge about education and her ability to build relationships with staff and community.
Hunsaker actually holds multiple positions at her current employment. For the last 3 years she has served as Superintendent, School Improvement Director and Special Education Director for the Lake County ESD. She is also the Administrator for Adel School District in Lakeview. Her previous positions in other districts have included Principal for Culver High/Middle School in Culver, Oregon for 8 years. Earlier in her career she worked for the Redmond School District in various positions which included elementary principal, high school assistant principal and grant coordinator. Her teaching experience is in the fields of life sciences and biology at various school districts both large and small in Oregon. She has a Master of Science degree in Biology Education from Lewis & Clark College and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Physical Education from Willamette University. Her Educational Administration Licensure program was completed at Lewis and Clark and University of Oregon.
"When I visited the Jewell students, staff and community I just felt connected." Hunsaker said. "I look forward to building strong relationships as we move the school district forward. We have a great opportunity to achieve something special for our students. I'm really excited the Board selected me to be the next Jewell Superintendent."
