Clarkston School Superintendent Pete Lewis is one of three finalists for a superintendent job in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Lewis, 53, who has been at the helm of Clarkston's schools for seven years, said the job is a career opportunity he can't ignore.
"Clarkston is a wonderful community and this is a great school district," he said. "The achievements in the last seven years have been phenomenal, but this is a professional opportunity I just can't pass up."
The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District serves 14,400 students in 35 buildings. The Clarkston School District has 2,675 students and seven buildings.
Lewis said another draw for the job is his wife was born and raised in Alaska.
"This could be a very exciting move for us," he said on Monday. "And should I not be successful in this endeavor, I'm in a great place. I am privileged to work with wonderful people and great kids here."
The other two finalists selected by the Fairbanks North Star Borough School Board are Stephen Laroe, president of the Fairbanks Education Association, and Carolyn Ross, superintendent of Churchill County School District in Fallon, Nev. The final round of interviews is scheduled for April 15-18.
Last year Lewis was a finalist for a superintendent slot in Juneau,
Alaska. During his stint in Clarkston, he's also applied to both the Central Valley and West Valley school districts at Spokane, but the positions were offered to other people.
In addition to his superintendent experience, Lewis has served as principal at a high school, alternative high school and middle school during his career. He is currently a doctoral student at Washington State University, where he earned his superintendent certificate in 2002, and he has a master's in education administration from Whitworth College.
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Sandaine may be contacted at
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