NTPS will take more time to select next superintendent

The North Thurston Public Schools board emerged from executive session late Thursday night to announce they need more time to select the next superintendent of the district.

The five-member board is expected to meet this weekend, district spokeswoman Amy Blondin said.

The board gathered Thursday evening after superintendent-to-be Justin Ainsworth backed out of the position on Tuesday. Ainsworth was one of three finalists for the job. The Alaska administrator was offered the superintendent position on April 10, accepted it and signed a contract before turning down the job on April 23.

“Since accepting the position, circumstances within my family have shifted significantly, making it clear that I cannot fulfill my duties as superintendent while also prioritizing my family’s well-being,” Ainsworth wrote in his email, which was shared with The Olympian. “This decision has been incredibly difficult, and I apologize for any disruption it may cause to the district and the community.”

In light of his resignation, the board decided to re-interview the two other finalists during the executive session. But when they finally emerged about 11 p.m., they said they need more time.

The two remaining finalists are Troy Oliver, the current assistant superintendent of operations for North Thurston, and Thu Ament, deputy superintendent for the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District in Pierce County.

The search for a new superintendent began in January after current district leader Debra Clemens announced her decision to retire. Her last day is June 30.

The district worked with an Iowa-based company called Ray and Associates that specializes in the recruitment of education professionals. The position was advertised and 29 people applied. From there, a smaller number of applicants was presented to the board and then three finalists were selected from that group.

Ainsworth, associate superintendent in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District in Palmer, Alaska, plus Oliver and Ament, took part in a district visit on April 10, which included a community meeting with residents. During that meeting, they fielded prepared questions and those submitted by people in attendance. Ainsworth was offered the job that night.

The next superintendent will earn $330,000 a year, according to a job posting for the position.