By Kerri Rempp
With two well-qualified candidates for its superintendent position, the Sioux County School Board voted 6-0 to offer a contract to Liz Baker Monday night. The details of the contract are yet to be determined. The board and a committee of community members and teachers interviewed Baker and Kris Freeland to replace Dr. Brett Gies, who will retire this summer after 16 years with the district. “I don’t think you can go wrong with whoever you pick,” said teacher Donna Skavdahl. The community and teacher committee noted that neither candidate had a lot of experience in preparing school budgets as the primary weakness for each. Neither candidate currently holds a superintendent endorsement, but both are in the process of completing the certification. “You have two qualified candidates,” said teacher Dash Rohan.
Board members said they felt fortunate to have a tough decision to reach, but ultimately prioritized Baker’s additional administrative experience and special education knowledge.
Baker formerly served as an elementary principal in Crawford and currently works in the Alliance school district. Freeland is currently serving as an elementary principal at Dundy County-Stratton.