Second round of superintendent finalists is diverse in national location

RENO, Nev. — Six candidates for the Washoe County schools superintendent position were tabbed as finalists Friday by the school district's board of trustees.

Hailing from both Nevada and across the country, the candidates mirror the nationwide focus of the board's search for a replacement for Paul Dugan, the five-year veteran set to retire Aug. 1.

Below is a brief introduction to each of the candidates, who are expected in Reno Monday and Tuesday to meet with the board and public.

Robert F. Alfaro, Sr.

Current position — Region superintendent, Clark County School District, Las Vegas. 2005-Present.

• Provides leadership to 41 schools serving approximately 45,000 students in an urban environment on Clark County's East Region. According to Alfaro's resume, the region is demographically diverse where English language learners and Hispanic students make up the majority.

• Education — B.S., Sul Ross State University , Alpine, Texas 1973; M.E. Sul Ross State University, 1984; Post graduate studies, Sul Ross State University, 1985; Fellow, Texas Elementary Principals & Supervisors Association Academy, 1993; Fellow, Broad Urban Superintendents Academy, 2004; Fellow, Cohort V, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Ed.D Executive Leadership.

Karst W. Brandsma

Current position — Interim superintendent, Everett Public Schools, Everett, Wash. 2008-Present.

• Manages the work of the school district, from representing the district at the state legislature to preparing board meetings and agendas and supervising key district administrators. Oversees 17 elementary schools, five middle schools and four high schools.

• Education — B.A. in Education, Eastern Washington University, 1976. M.A. in Education, Eastern Washington University, 1978; Administrative/Principal's credentials, Central Washington University, 1985; Superintendent's credentials, Seattle Pacific University, 1998.

Dennis W. Dearden

Current position — Senior vice president for educational advancement, Partnership for excellence, Cary, N.C. 2008-Present.

• In his duties with Partnership for excellence, Dearden mentors superintendents across the country. According to his resume, Dearden also assists in team building at the superintendent's cabinet level and school district boards.

• Education — B.A. in Physical Education, Simpson College, Iowa, 1974; M.S. in Education, Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, 1980

Gary K. Larsen

Current position — Superintendent, Nampa School District 131, Nampa, Idaho. 1994-Present

• As superintendent of Nampa, Larsen is responsible for 15,000 students and 1,800 faculty and staff at Idaho's third largest school district. Oversees three high schools, one alternative high school, four middle schools, 14 elementary schools, one preschool and various alternative programs.

• Education — B.A. in Spanish and Sociology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, 1973; Masters of Education in Secondary School Administration, College of Idaho, 1983; Ed.S. in General School Administration, University of Idaho, 1991.

Pedro Martinez

Current position — Chief Financial Officer, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago 2003-Present

• According to his resume, Martinez oversees a $5 billion operating budget and an $855 million capital budget for the third largest school district in the U.S. Also oversees budget and planning, grants, treasury, corporate accounting, risk management and procurement. Supervises a staff of 200.

• Education — B.S. in Accounting, minor in psychology from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana; MBA in Finance from Depaul University, Chicago, Ill. 2006, Fellow, Broad Superintendents Academy, 2009.

Heath E. Morrison

Current position — Community superintendent, Montgomery Public Schools, Md. 2006-Present

• Leads 34 schools serving 23,000 students in the 142,000 student district. Morrison supervises four high schools, seven middle schools, 21 elementary schools and two special schools. According to his resume, 53 percent of Montgomery County students live in poverty, 30 percent are English language learners.

• Education — B.A. in Government, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Va. 1988; M.S. in Educational Administration, University of Maryland, 1994; Ph. D., Educational Administration, University of Maryland, 2004; Fellow, Broad Superintendents Academy, 2009.

Monday interviews confirmed

Brandsma, Morrison and Martinez are all expected in Reno Monday to interview with the WCSD board of trustees and meet the public. All interviews and public forums take place at the board's meeting room on 425 E. Ninth St. in Reno.

Morrison will interview with the board from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and meet with the community from 6 to 7 p.m.

Brandsma meets with the board from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and with the public from 7 to 8 p.m.

Martinez meets with the board from 10:30 a.m. to noon Monday before meeting the public from 5 to 6 p.m. All forums and board interviews are open to the public.

Tuesday Alfaro, Dearden and Larsen are scheduled to meet with the board and public, but the day's schedule is as of yet unconfirmed.

If you are unable to make the trip to Reno but would still like to see the candidates and offer input, candidate videos are expected to be available late Tuesday night at the WCSD's website. Visit http://www.washoe.k12.nv.us/community/superintendent-search/candidates to see the videos and rate your top choice. You may also visit the site to view the candidate's full resumes.

Check back with tahoebonanza.com for more information on the search process as it becomes available.