Profiles of the finalists and semifinalists

Star Tribune

Last update: November 14, 2009 - 9:51 PM

THE FINALISTS

Deborah M. Henton

Deborah Henton is superintendent of the North Branch Area public schools. Before North Branch, she served as the chief of staff, executive director of Alternative Learning Programs, principal of Harding High School, and assistant principal at Harding High School, all in the St. Paul public schools. She also served as an assistant principal at Stillwater High School and at Oltman Junior High in the South Washington County public schools. Henton began her education career as a teacher in the South Washington County public schools. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls and M.A. and doctoral degrees from St. Mary's University of Minnesota.

Charles L. Hopson

Charles Hopson is deputy superintendent of schools in the Portland, Ore., public schools. Prior to his current duties, he served as high school area director/superintendent, high school principal, middle school principal, and high school vice principal, all in Portland. He also served as elementary principal in the Helena West, Ark., public schools. Hopson began his education career as a teacher in the Guy-Perkins and Pulaski County Schools of Arkansas. He holds B.S.E. and M.Ed. degrees from the University of Central Arkansas, an Ed.S. degree from Delta State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Oregon.

Valeria S. Silva

Valeria Silva is chief academic officer in the St. Paul public schools. Prior to her current assignment, she served as director of English Language Learner Programs, principal at Dayton's Bluff Elementary, principal at Adams Spanish Immersion School and coordinator of Spanish Immersion Program/Curriculum, all in St. Paul. She also has served as a specialist for Standards and Accommodations in the Minnesota Department of Education. Silva began her education career as a teacher in the St. Paul public schools. She holds B.A. degrees from St. Cloud State University and Pontifica University of Chile and M.A. and Ed.S. degrees from the University of Minnesota.

THE THREE WHO DIDN'T MAKE THE CUT

Stan F. Mack recently retired as superintendent of the Robbinsdale Area schools. Prior to Robbinsdale, he served as an assistant superintendent in the Osseo and Burnsville, Eagan, Savage school districts. He also served as superintendent of the Northfield Area Schools.

Mark R. Bezek is superintendent in the Elk River Area Schools. Prior to Elk River, he served as superintendent in Fergus Falls, Minn. He also served as principal at Armstrong High School in the Robbinsdale district and at New Prague, Hawley and the Cromwell/Wright public schools, all in Minnesota.

Nancy J. Stachel is chief of schools in the St. Paul public schools. Prior to her current assignment, she served as deputy chief academic officer, executive director of elementary education, principal of Como Park Elementary and Como Special/Hartzell, assistant principal at Capitol Hill Magnet School and special education teacher at Arlington High and Ramsey Junior High, all in St. Paul. GREGORY A. PATTERSON

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