Miamisburg whittles superintendent list to 3

Miamisburg finalists all have experience in dealing with COVID-19, an ‘important factor.’

Among the trio to be interviewed are two current superintendents as well as graduates from the University of Dayton and Miami.

The process to pick the next superintendent of Miamisburg City Schools is down to three finalists who are set to meet with district officials again today.

The finalists include two current superintendents and an assistant superintendent. They include graduates from the University of Dayton and Miami University.

One trait they all share is experience in dealing with the COVID19 pandemic, which is an important factor, said Miamisburg board of education President Dale Toadvine.

“They seemed to be the type of individuals that would fit very well into our culture here in Miamisburg now,” he said.

“There’s a lot of tough decisions to be made here in the future with the coronavirus,” Toadvine added. “We don’t know for sure yet what school’s going to look like (or) when we can start (returning to school).”

The three seeking to succeed retiring Superintendent David Vail are:

■ Laura Blessing, superintendent, Northeastern Wayne Schools, Fountain City, Ind., 2013– present.

■ Kimberly Halley, assistant superintendent, Reynoldsburg City Schools, 2018–present. Halley earned a master’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1998 and is in the doctorate program at Miami University.

■ Jennifer Penczarski, superintendent, Kenton City Schools, 2010–present. She is a 1996 Miami U. grad and is pursuing a doctorate there.

“The three of them seem to have very good answers to some of the options that they would use to possibly start school if it was up to them,” Toadvine said.

“That’s very important right now obviously. We looked at their past history and what they had done through the coronavirus,” he said, noting each of their districts had a one-to-one student/ computer ratio.

“Right now that’s important for distance learning,” Toadvine said. “They seemed like they were very prepared for the problems that come with distance learning and the pandemic. They had very good answers for what they’re going to do for graduation (in their current districts).”

Blessing, Halley and Penczarski remain from six candidates who all interviewed with the board of education.

Blessing has been an administrator since 2003, records show. She previously served as director of curriculum and principal in three Indiana school districts.

Halley has 17 years of administrative experience, including two years as assistant superintendent. Since 2007, she has also worked in Hilliard, Pickerington and Columbus schools.

Penczarski has been an administrator for 15 years, according to records. She served a principal and assistant principal for Tri-Valley Local Schools.

Each will meet with selected community members before talking with board members, Toadvine said.

The board hopes to have a new superintendent under contract by May 21, he said.