According to the Hermantown Community Schools (District 700) official website, Cook County School District ISD 166 Superintendent Beth Schwarz was named one of six finalists to replace Brad Johnson at Hermantown Community Schools, but this week the field was narrowed to three, and Schwarz wasn’t one of the finalists.
According to the Hermantown website, Schwarz and the other five candidates were selected from a pool of 15 applicants for first round interviews by the Hermantown school board. They were interviewed on June 13.
The three remaining candidates were Kerry Juntunen, principal of Hermantown Middle School; John Muenich, principal of Hermantown High School; and James Wagner, superintendent of Kimball Area Schools. Wagner has since dropped out of the running.
Reached on June 17, Schwarz explained why she applied for the Hermantown position. “I am entering my seventh year as Cook County School District superintendent and truly enjoy my position. We have taken many positive steps forward during my tenure and I will continue to serve the district to the best of my ability. The school board was aware and supportive of my desire to explore the Hermantown superintendent opening.
“Investigating other districts keeps a superintendent fresh and provides an opportunity to see what is working well in other districts,” said Schwarz.
She added, “The Hermantown School Board chose to offer second interviews to two Hermantown principals and the superintendent from Kimball with one year of experience. The interview process was interesting and informative.
“Serving as the Cook County superintendent is both enjoyable and rewarding, but as the saying goes. . .it never hurts to look!” said Schwarz.
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