Dubuque School Board Takes Next Steps Toward Hiring New Superintendent

By Jillian Petrus, Reporter

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By Lisa Kunkel

Story Created: Sep 11, 2012 at 11:03 PM CDT

Story Updated: Sep 11, 2012 at 11:03 PM CDT

DUBUQUE, Iowa - Tuesday night, teachers and parents interviewed the first of three candidates for the new Dubuque School Superintendent position. The hiring process follows the controversial resignation of former superintendent Larie Godinez.

Godinez stepped down after the school board started the process of voting her out of the role. The board said members of the staff had serious concerns in Godinez's ability to lead effectively.

The spotlight Tuesday centered on Stan Rheingans. He is the first of three candidates vying for Dubuque superintendent, a role currently under heavy scrutiny.

"We know where we've been and we know some of the problems we've had," said Tami Ryan, Vice President of the Dubuque School Board. "But we need to get past that and move forward looking for that strong leader to take us there"

Board members stayed relatively quite during the 30 minute interview session, letting the public express their questions and concerns.

Many of the questions posed to the candidate Tuesday focused on leadership, vision, fiscal responsibility and staying connected to the community. All of these topics related in many ways to reported issues with former superintendent Dr. Larie Godinez.

"I think all the pieces are in place for us to be a special part of this community that's done so much in the last several years," said board member, Matt Strelo.

The only thing noticeably missing from the public session Tuesday were parents. Teachers encouraged parents to be a part of the selection process by watching the thirty minute interviews at home or by attending the next two forums

The next forum will be held Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Dubuque School Board Room.