February 23, 2009 08:21 pm
—
By Roger McKinney
rmckinney@joplinglobe.com
COLUMBUS, Kan. — David Carriger, superintendent of the Osage City School District, will start his new job as superintendent of the Columbus School District on July 1.
The Columbus Board of Education hired Carriger over two other finalists for the job.
Carriger has been superintendent at Osage City, about 35 miles southwest of Topeka., for the past 11 years. Before that, he was high-school principal there for six years. He also was a principal and coach in the Conway Springs School District.
Carriger’s bachelor’s degree is from Newman University, Wichita, and his master’s degree is from Concordia University, Seward, Neb. He has certification as a superintendent from Emporia State University.
Carriger said Monday that he is excited about the opportunity.
He said Columbus and Osage City have many similarities, both being rural towns near metropolitan areas. But he said the enrollment in the Osage City district, at about 675, is about half of that of Columbus. He said he had the chance to meet several students and residents informally before the board’s formal interview.
“I saw so many strengths in that community, based on the people who live there,” Carriger said. He said his first task will be getting acquainted with the people within the school district.
Superintendent Ken Jones announced in November his intention to retire at the end of June. The school board hired executive recruiting firm McPherson and Jacobson, Omaha, Neb., at a cost of $5,000 plus expenses.
In addition to Carriger, finalists were Cory Gibson, interim assistant superintendent of the Pittsburg School District, and William Hagerman, director of innovation and improvement with the Kansas Department of Education. There were 14 initial applicants from which the finalists were chosen.
The finalists were recommended to the board based on their leadership, motivational and communication skills; understanding of small-town values; and understanding of school finance.
Pay
The contract the Columbus Board of Education approved for Superintendent David Carriger gives him an annual salary of $115,000.
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.