James Foudy
The Blaine County School District Board of Trustees voted Thursday evening to offer the position of superintendent to James Foudy, the current superintendent of McCall-Donnelly School District.
Citing his “humble, calm, reflective demeanor,” fundraising and budgeting experience, and approach to helping students “on the margins,” the trustees unanimously agreed to name Foudy the next BCSD superintendent.
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made,” said Vice Chairwoman Lara Stone, a sentiment that Chairman Keith Roark later echoed.
Foudy was one of two final candidates for the vacant superintendent position; the other was Heather Sanchez, who serves as Executive Director of Schools for the Bellevue School District in Washington.
“[Foudy] does not have the breadth of experience that Ms. Sanchez does,” Roark said. “But what I’ve been looking for is someone with experience in a smaller district that involves a resort community if possible and who has enjoyed success in this job. That is what I’m looking for, and that is what Jim Foudy has.”
After the vote, Foudy expressed his thanks to the board and to the BCSD community.
“It is such an honor to be selected as your superintendent, especially considering the exceptional candidate with whom I was considered, Heather Sanchez,” Foudy said. “I can’t wait to write the next chapter of your story with you.”
Foudy will step into his new role on July 1.
For more on this story, see next Wednesday’s edition of the Idaho Mountain Express.
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(3) comments
Hmmm. the most experienced candidate was not hired?
If the number one problem facing the district is the so called "achievement gap" between minority students and grade-level expectations, why not hire the minority candidate? Does your white bread new super speak Spanish?
Wrong choice again!
"minority candidate" - ?!? Are you making a racist assumption based on the candidate's last name?? She is as "white bread" as Mr. Foudy, all of the board members and many in our community. Did you watch the interviews?? Ms. Sanchez is married to a Latino man. Does that qualify her as "minority" in your opinion? Is that a good basis for hiring a person - presumed skin color?!? Isn't that the very definition of racism ?!? If you watched the board meeting when they made this decision, and listened to the comments from each Trustee, you would understand their reasoning. You should take the time to become informed before commenting!
This is a great choice. Finally, a person from Idaho has been a teacher and a superintendent. Great choice!!!
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