Steve Smith, Superintendent of the Guthrie Center/Adair-Casey Community Schools, announced Friday that the Adair-Casey and Guthrie Center board of directors revised their invited finalists for the formal interviews after prior finalist Darren Hanna was hired as the new Emmetsburg Community School District Superintendent.

Three finalists have been invited to the district for formal interviews with the board of directors and district stakeholders on January 23, 2019. Based on their application materials, references and initial interviews the following finalists have been selected:

Kurt DeVore: Mr. DeVore currently serves as the Director of Information, Systems and Instructional Technology for the Decorah School District. In his current role he oversees technology initiatives for the district, develops communication plans, updates school safety plans, and helps lead professional trainings among other things. His prior experiences include serving as a Director of Technology and vocal music teacher for West Hancock School District and teaching vocal music in Brownsville, TX.  He has a track record of supporting district initiatives and building community partnerships.

Shane Christensen: Mr. Christensen currently serves as a junior high principal in the West Des Moines School District.  His prior experience includes teaching, coaching and serving as an assistant principal. Shane graduated from Guthrie Center High School.  He has led various successful initiatives in his current role, some of which include project-based learning and district safety planning.  He models instructional leadership utilizing the Student Administrative Manager (SAM) model.  He is working towards earning his doctorate degree with anticipated completion in May 2019.

Dennis McClain: Mr. McClain currently serves as the Superintendent and Elementary Principal for Clay Central Everly Schools.  He has served in this role for the past six years where he has created positive change while working through challenging financial events.  His prior experience includes serving as the K-12 principal at Stanton and as lead teacher for Clarinda Academy.  Dennis is highly active in his community where he supports the local county fair and is active in his church and helped to develop a nature learning center.

Staff from the district, parents, students, and community members will be contacted soon to serve on the formal interview teams and identify what formal interview questions they would like to see asked of the finalists.  The feedback from the interview teams will advise the school board’s decision to offer a contract to the successful candidate.  The new superintendent will begin his duties on July 1, 2019.