Indiana candidate named top finalist for PSD superintendent

At a special meeting on April 22, the Poudre School District Board of Education unanimously named Dr. Vickie Markavitch as the top finalist for superintendent.

The decision followed two days of forums and interviews with the top three candidates in Fort Collins on April 19 and 20.

"All three were strong candidates and have their own unique attributes," said Ross Cunniff, board president. "The most promising at this point is Dr. Markavitch."

Among the strengths discussed are Markavitch's depth of experience, positive leadership skills and image, success with board and superintendent relations, state legislative experience and high level of energy.

"The passion for teaching has not left me yet," Markavitch said at one of the PSD forums. She added that she has helped other districts evaluate and resolve differences.

The superintendent's job is vacant because the board forced the resignation of Don Unger, 20 months before his contract would have expired. Unger had the superintendent's post for 10 years.

"The district needs to do some healing," Markavitch said on her visit. She added, however, that PSD's problems are "a blip on the screen" compared with other places she has worked. "Everyone is ready to move forward," she noted.

She also said PSD needs to clarify its vision and that all employees need to know their roles in the district's mission. "We are a people business," Markavitch said. "I honor and value people I work with."

The board will meet again on May 3, 6:30 p.m., at the PSD Support Services Center to update the public regarding the possibility of contract negotiations. An executive session may follow.

Markavitch is currently superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation in Mishawaka, Ind. She has a Ph.D. in educational administration from Michigan State University.

The other finalists were Kathy Arnett, superintendent at Walton County Schools in Monroe, Ga., and Rochonne Bria, superintendent of Battle Ground School District in Washington.