Ladouceur may be new superintendent for SJ schools

Members of the St. Johns Public Schools Board of Education named Dr. Ken Ladouceur as its top choice for superintendent at the conclusion of second-round interviews with four, finalist candidates.

The board voted unanimously to extend a contract offer to Ladouceur at an open meeting March 19, following an extensive search and interview process. The offer is contingent upon successful negotiation of the contract. That process could be completed as early as next week.

Dr. Ladouceur is currently serving as superintendent for the Gilpin County School District in Black Hawk, Colo. He was previously superintendent at Prairie West School Division in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada, and has worked as a principal and teacher.

The board interviewed each of the four finalists in individual, open sessions on the evenings of March 16-19. All candidates toured school buildings in the district during the day of their interview, meeting with staff and students.

Persons attending the interviews that were held in public sessions of the board also had an opportunity to submit questions for each candidate and provide input during staff and public comment sections at each interview session.

The board will officially hire Ladouceur when contract negotiations are completed. That vote will take place either at a special meeting next week or at the regular March 30 meeting, depending upon finalization of the contract offer.