South Washington schools select 'confident' new leader

The new superintendent of the South Washington School District is Keith Jacobus, currently the assistant superintendent in Osseo.

"He was extremely confident," said board member Jim Gelbmann. "He had charisma. He was very well-spoken. I was impressed that he had a plan for his first 100 days. Osseo is a mirror image of the diversity that we have. I think that gives him an advantage."

At its December meeting, the board voted 5-2 to give notice to Superintendent Mark Porter that his tenure would end June 30. Board members cited ineffective relationships with his staff and poor communication and leadership skills in approving the dismissal.

Jacobus has also served as the director of schools for the Douglas County School District in Castle Rock, Colo., and had several administrative roles in nearby Monument, Colo.

The other finalist was Lolli Haws, an instructional superintendent in Washington, D.C.

The board hopes to have a contract signed with Jacobus by May 24, with the expectation that he start July 1.

DAAREL BURNETTE II