Interviews slated for 3 to succeed Supt. Gary Wood

The Hopkins Schools Board of Education has selected candidates to interview Wednesday evening, March 22, for superintendent of schools.

Current Supt. Gary Wood recently announced his intention to retire at the end of the school year June 30 after completing his ninth year in the post.

Interviews will take place at Hopkins Elementary School March 22 as follows:

• 5 p.m. — Scott VanBonn, director of instruction.

• 6 p.m. — Ken Szczepanski, principal, Hopkins Middle School and Hopkins High School.

• 7 p.m. — Amy Mielke, principal. Sycamore Elementary.

All three candidate finalists are local. Staff and community members are encouraged to attend. The interviews are open to the public.

Wood, in a special edition of the The Viking View, said:

“I will be retiring at the end of this school year. I have been your superintendent for the past nine years and it has flown by. I have spent 37 years in public education and that has also gone by quicker than I could have ever imagined.

“I would like to thank all of you in the Viking school community for the support you have given the district and all of our staff over the years. Hopkins is truly a gem of a school district. I have worked with many great administrators, teachers and support staff.

“The families we serve are so dedicated to helping each other in difficult times that it amazes me. The school board members that I have worked closely with here in Hopkins are the best. When the late John Myers (Board President at the time) called to offer me the superintendent position nine years ago, I had no idea of the quality of people that would become my co-workers and my friends.

“Finally, this district has great kids. They are a reflection of all that each of you contribute.”