New superintendent is named

Corey Wise has been named superintendent of the Douglas County School District.

On Tuesday the board of education voted 5-2 to offer Wise the job. Wise has served as interim superintendent since October, after Thomas Tucker’s departure in September. Wise was selected from more than 100 applicants and four finalists.

“Selecting the superintendent is one of the most critical decisions a board will ever make,” said David Ray, president of the board. “The board is excited about continuing to work with Mr. Wise in leading our district to an even greater place for all our students.”

Wise has been with Douglas County for 25 years, starting as a student teacher and later working as a teacher, assistant principal and principal in various schools, as well as in administration. The district, the third-largest in Colorado, serves about 63,000 students.

Douglas County was just one district looking for a new leader after a pandemic-disrupted school year that caused higherthan-usual turnover among superintendents.

Jeffco Public Schools hired Tracy Dorland for the position this month. The Cherry Creek School District recently named Christopher Smith as the sole finalist for its top job, and the Poudre School District appointed Brian Kingsley to the position last week.

Denver Public Schools, Colorado’s largest public school system, has yet to name any top candidates for its open superintendent slot but expects to make a selection by June.

Tiney Ricciardi: cricciardi@denverpost.com or @tineywristwatch