Two candidates named for Lewiston superintendent position

Two Lewiston School District employees are vying for the superintendent position.

The Lewiston School Board had a special meeting Thursday in executive session to discuss the applicants, and after the executive session, the board announced Lisa Fenter and Tim Sperber as the two candidates.

The board will meet Monday and hold an executive session to review candidates. At that time, Lewiston School Board President Staci Baldwin said the board will either select a candidate or reopen the position to applicants outside the district. The new superintendent will replace Lance Hansen, who will begin his role as superintendent at the Kennewick School District in July.

“There’s going to be big shoes to fill,” Baldwin said.

Baldwin said the position was first opened up to school district employees, and Fenter and Sperber were the only two candidates who applied.

Fenter has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian studies and Japanese from the University of Oregon and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho. She has worked in the Lewiston School District since 2011, starting as a curriculum resource teacher in language arts and in 2012 was appointed as director of curriculum.

Sperber has a Bachelor of Science in secondary education from the University of Idaho and a Master of Education in educational administration from Washington State University. In 2006, he was hired by the Lewiston School District as coordinator of Tammany High School. He has served in roles including assistant principal and athletic director at Lewiston High School, principal at Whitman Elementary and most recently, secondary principal at Sacajawea Middle School in 2021.

Baldwin said the two candidates bring experience and credentials from preschool to the district office. She’s excited for the interviews but noted it will be a hard decision.

Baldwin said the board wanted to select someone from inside the district because they wanted someone who knows the mission and culture of the district to continue its growth. It will also help make the transition smoother.

“Lance has really set us on a trajectory for great success,” Baldwin said. “We don’t want to lose ground with what Lance has done.”

About two weeks ago, employees received emails requesting input on what qualities and values they would like to see in a superintendent. The board also requested letters of interest from potential candidates.

“We did seek staff opinions on what they really wanted to see in the next superintendent,” Baldwin said.

Brewster may be contacted at kbrewster@lmtribune.com or at (208) 848-2297.