ESD 123 identifies top three superintendent candidates

Educational Service District 123 has identified the top three candidates to replace outgoing Superintendent Bruce Hawkins when he retires June 30.

The ESD’s search committee has recommended Superintendent Michael P. Lasher with Oregon’s Douglas ESD, Superintendent C. Mark Mansell with Washington’s La Center School District and ESD 123’s own Assistant Superintendent Darcy P. Weisner.

The finalists will participate in interviews with the board Jan. 7. They also are expected to meet with ESD 123 staff and school district superintendents from around the region before a final decision is made by Jan. 28.

Hawkins announced his retirement last summer. He’s been in the ESD’s top office for 12 years. ESD 123 is based in Pasco and helps more than 20 districts throughout the Mid-Columbia in providing resources and programs for schools and students.

Lasher joined Douglas ESD in Roseburg, Ore., in 2013 as an interim superintendent. He previously worked for 17 years in the InterMountain Education Service District in Pendleton, starting as a director of information technology and finishing as a deputy superintendent, according to a statement from the Intermountain district. Lasher started an entrepreneurial program, called InterMountain Initiatives.

Mansell has served as La Center’s superintendent for 11 years. He announced his resignation from that position in September, according to the The Columbian newspaper of Vancouver, Wash. His last day in the Southwest Washington district is June 30.

Weisner joined ESD 123 in July 2014, and oversees instructional support activities. Weisner previously worked as the superintendent of the Clarkston School District near the Washington-Idaho border.

This story was originally published December 20, 2015 at 5:30 PM with the headline "ESD 123 identifies top three superintendent candidates."