School district hires interim superintendent

A former teacher and principal, who has worked in several Colorado districts, became the interim superintendent for Poudre School District in July.

The board of education on July 12 approved a 220-day, $150,000 contract with Nancy Wright for the 2004-05 school year. Wright began her new position with PSD on July 26. She most recently served as superintendent of schools in Manitou Springs and had retired after nearly 38 years in the field of education.

"I hope to provide leadership that will give the community as well as the staff a sense of confidence, direction, and pride that goes along with having an outstanding school district," Wright said.

The interim superintendent has experience in a variety of educational areas, including developing and overseeing strategic plans, school choice programs, community mill and bond elections, facility design/construction/remodeling, school finance, school law, curriculum, contract negotiations, employee evaluation, and community/business partnerships.

In addition to her salary, the district will pay Wright $600 a month for automobile and mileage allowance, up to $10,000 for moving expenses and temporary housing and a retirement plan contribution of $10,000.

Wright has earned the following degrees and endorsements:

• Colorado superintendent's endorsement, Colorado Department of Education.
• Doctorate in education administration, Nova University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
• Type D administration certificate, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
• Master's in curriculum and instruction, University of Colorado, Boulder.
• Bachelor's in kindergarten through eighth grade education, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio.

Former assistant superintendent Gary Bamford has been filling the interim post this year. He retired July 31. The school board plans to reopen the search for an ongoing superintendent beginning this fall. It was unsuccessful in negotiating a contract with its top candidate earlier this year.

The superintendent search started in late 2003 after the board forced the resignation of superintendent Don Unger.