Crook County schools name 2 superintendent finalists

The Crook County School District Board of Directors announced Monday night that two finalists have been selected for further consideration to be the district’s next superintendent, beginning July 1.

Superintendent Duane Yecha will finish his time in the District on June 30. The board and a screening committee of staff and community thoroughly reviewed a strong applicant field of 26 candidates and the Board conducted initial interviews with several candidates before selecting finalists.

The two finalists are:

Sara E. Johnson
Since 2016, Sara Johnson has been the Director of Assessment, Equity & School Improvement for the Klamath County SD in Klamath Falls with about 6,500 students. Before, she was Superintendent for the Sumner SD in Sumner, WA with a student enrollment of about 9,500 for 3 years. Other administrative experience includes 3 years as Assistant Superintendent at Lincoln County SD in Newport, OR with 5,200 students. She was named Oregon Principal of the Year in 2007. Johnson has a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from George Fox University and a Master’s degree in Teaching Education from Eastern Oregon University.

Dianda (Dandy) L. Stevens
For the past four years Dandy Stevens has been Assistant Superintendent at Silver Falls SD in Silverton, OR with about 3,900 students. At Silver Falls she also served as middle school Principal for 3 years. Her teaching experience includes 4 years as a language arts teacher in high school and 4 years teaching overseas. She became a Nationally Board Certified Teacher in 2002. Stevens has a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Portland State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Oregon.

The Crook County School Board will now begin thorough background and reference checks for these finalists. While the background and reference checks are underway, the Board will bring the finalists to the District for an opportunity to meet with staff and community on Monday, March 19. The exact times for meetings are not yet scheduled.

The board will also conduct a second interview with each finalist in executive session to finish the visit. The board expects to announce the next steps in the superintendent search soon.