Stillwater narrows superintendent search

The Stillwater Area Public Schools, now being led on an interim basis by veteran schools chief Tom Nelson, has narrowed the search for its next superintendent.

The school board has selected six candidates for public interviews on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Nelson is in his second stint as Stillwater's interim leader -- this time under a one-year deal that pays $165,000 and is set to expire on June 30. Nelson replaced Corey Lunn, who left last summer to lead the Johnston Community School District in Iowa.

The people vying to succeed Nelson are:

John Bezek, assistant superintendent of Shakopee Public Schools.

David Dude, chief operating officer for the Iowa City Community School District.

Richard Lahn, interim superintendent of the Nashwauk-Keewatin School District.

Lori Simon, executive director of academics and elementary schools for Robbinsdale Area Schools.

Richard Spicuzza, deputy superintendent of Mounds View Public Schools.

Interviews begin at 8 a.m. Feb. 21 at the Central Services Building, 1875 S. Greeley St., Stillwater. The board then will select finalists for full-day interviews March 2-4. The district's next leader is expected to be named in mid-March and will take the helm on July 1.