Finalist Withdraws Leaving Two Superintendent Candidates

One of three finalists for the Neligh-Oakdale superintendent position has withdrawn from consideration, leaving two candidates to be interviewed next week.

According to Shari Becker, Director of Education Leadership Search Service with the Nebraska Association of School Boards, Brian Hof will not be interviewing at Neligh-Oakdale. Hof currently is superintendent at Red Cloud. 

The three finalists for the position were announced Friday morning and selected Thursday night at a special meeting of the board.

Becker said Aaron Plas and Mark Smith will be the only candidates to interview next week. Becker said the district received seven applications for the position.

"There have been instances when receiving a low number of applicants, the search firm will encourage the board to delay the application deadline to grow the applicant group; however, due to the quality of the applicant group, it is important for the Board to move forward with the interview process allowing them the potential to make a quality hire," Becker said.

She added, "Mr. Hof contacted NASB this morning to indicate that, after long deliberation and discussion with current school board members and his family, that he would like to respectfully withdraw from consideration. The interviews will be conducted Tuesday for Aaron Plas and Wednesday for Mark Smith as scheduled and both applicants are excited about this opportunity."

Bill Kuester is serving as Neligh-Oakdale's interim superintendent until June 30, 2016. Neligh-Oakdale's previous superintendent, Kimberly Lingenfelter, resigned in December 2014 and is now the superintendent at Cherokee Community Schools in Iowa.

Becker said the candidate interviews will start with a tour of the community and district facilities. The candidate will then meet with representatives from various stakeholder groups including administrators, certified staff, classified staff and community members.

Each candidate will join the board for dinner at Imperial II Steakhouse to be followed by a formal interview with the board which will be held in open session.  

Interview Schedule
Tuesday, Dec. 15 – Aaron Plas, Activities Director/ Assistant High School Principal at York Public Schools
Wednesday, Dec. 16 – Mark Smith, High School Principal at Plattsmouth Community Schools