A vice-principal from Coleville High School and the principal of Pioneer High School in Carson City are finalists for the position of principal of Whittell High School in Zephyr Cove.
Jeffrey Ritchley of Coleville, Calif. and Jason Zona of Carson City met with Douglas County School District officials Thursday for their final interviews. Following the meetings, the candidates visited Whittell High School for individual meet-and-greet sessions with parents and staff.
Rich Alexander, human resources director for the district, said officials are now deliberating and hope to have a decision by the June 8 school board meeting.
The new principal will replace Sue Shannon, who announced her retirement in March.
Shannon said a mixture of about 30 parents, students, teachers and classified employees attended each session.
After the meetings, Shannon gave feedback to interim superintendent interim John Soderman. Shannon was unable to share specific comments.
As for who would be ideal at the helm of Whittell, Shannon said the school district is looking for someone who has experience as an administrator and is a problem solver able to handle the challenges of a smaller school.
"We want someone who enjoys working with the students, the staff and the community," she said.
Ritchley moved from Minnesota to join the Coleville school, according to the Coleville High School website. Coleville High School is in Mono County along Highway 395. The grade 9-12 public school has about 70 students. Prior to Coleville, Ritchley was a K-12 adaptive physical education teacher in Richfield Public Schools in Minnesota for four years.
Zona joined Pioneer High School in 2007, according to Tribune News Service archives. The alternative school opened in 1998 and is part of the Carson City School District. It accepts students by application. The school emphasizes small class sizes and curriculum customized to students' needs.
