The Pueblo D60 search for a new superintendent is down to one person. Here's what to know

Editor's Note: This story has been edited to reflect that Barb Kimzey was an assistant high school principal for Hampton City Schools

Barbara Kimzey, chief schools officer at Norfolk Public Schools, is the sole finalist in Pueblo School District 60's national superintendent search.

Kimzey was selected to become the sole finalist following a 3-2 vote by the Pueblo D60 board on April 24. She has been employed at Norfolk Public Schools — a district of about 27,000 students in Norfolk, Virginia. Her role as chief schools officer is similar to that of an assistant superintendent.

"I am pretty much in charge of anything that happens in a school, including responding to crisis situations, including ensuring that the academic program is right, including ensuring schools become accredited with the support of other departments in central office," Kimzey told members of the board on April 24.

Prior to being hired with Norfolk Public Schools in 2020, Kimzey served as an assistant high school principal in Hampton City Schools and as a middle school principal in Portsmouth Public Schools. While working in Portsmouth, she helped a struggling school regain its accreditation.

Pueblo D60 board members interviewed Kimzey and fellow finalist Shon Hocker, superintendent of Coeur d'Alene School District #271, at the April 24 board meeting. The two answered questions about work relationships, the closure of Roncalli STEM Academy, and why they chose Pueblo, among other topics.

"I believe my niche is working in communities where we have significant challenges," Kimzey said. "My innovation and creativity can help make the change... I need a position where I can make a difference. I saw the opportunity and Pueblo as one where I think my strengths and my skill set would be very advantageous for the district."

While fielding a question from board member Kathy DeNiro about developing relationships across employee groups, Kimzey emphasized the importance of developing personal relationships with school staff on-site, transparent communication with stakeholders, and the provision of community feedback opportunities.

Kimzey was named the sole finalist thanks to yes votes from board members DeNiro, Brian Cisneros, and Susan Pannunzio. Dennis Maes and Bill Thiebaut were the two board members to vote against making Kimzey the sole finalist.

Maes and Thiebaut did not put forth a motion to make Hocker a sole finalist. Instead, the two put forth motions that could have yielded finalists other than Kimzey and Hocker. However, neither motion was passed by the board. The board is slated to be entering negotiations with Kimzey for her superintendent contract.

If negotiations are successful, Kimzey will become superintendent of Pueblo D60 on July 1, following the retirement of current superintendent Charlotte Macaluso.

"I am toward the end of a very long career in education, but I am still very passionate about what I do... It has been a goal of mine to become superintendent of a district where I can really make a difference," Kimzey said during the interview. "I believe Pueblo is that district and I love this community already."

More on D60's superintendent search: 32 Pueblo D60 leaders sign letter saying superintendent finalists not suited to lead district

Pueblo Chieftain reporter James Bartolo can be reached at JBartolo@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo D60 names Barbara Kimzey as sole finalist for superintendent