Final hurdle for Solon superintendent candidates

SOLON – Monday marks the last hurdle for the two finalists competing for the title of Solon School District Superintendent.

Paula Wright of Chariton, Iowa and Sam Miller of Bloomfield, Iowa will spend the day interviewing with community groups, city committees and the district's school board members to see who will step into the position soon to be left vacant by interim superintendent Darrell Smith.

“Both of these individuals are fantastic candidates and would serve the district well,” Smith said. “They both have demonstrated the ability to accomplish goals.”

Sixty-eight educators applied for the position left open in 2009 by superintendent Dr. Brad Mernard. Mernard had served the district for about 10 years before accepting a different position in Boone, Iowa.

“A lot of qualified people wanted to work for our district, and these two seemed to be the best suited for the position,” Smith said.

School board members interviewed six finalists before winnowing the field down to Wright and Miller, who both said location proved the largest incentive for applying to Solon.

“Additionally, the district has a great reputation of providing a great education for students,” Wright said.

Miller echoed those sentiments, saying that “it came through multiple times that the board expects and wants a quality learning experience for all kids.”

Wright earned her bachelor's degree from Simpson College and went on to receive additional higher educational degrees from Drake University and Iowa State University. She has served as the superintendent at the Chariton School District for three years.

Miller earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Iowa and continued earning higher educational degrees from Morningside College and Drake University. He is now working toward his doctorate. He has served as superintendent in Bloomfield, Iowa for the past four years.

The school board expects to announce their hiring decision on Tuesday.

By Bekah Porter, correspondent