Clark named interim super

ODESSA - The local school district decided to hire Dr. Robert Clark as the new interim superintendent through the end of this school year. Clark began part-time work with the district last week.

The school district elected to have the ESD aid in looking at potential candidates. After interviewing two potential candidates, the school board decided on Clark.

When asked what led to Clark receiving the contract over the other candidate, Board Chairman Ed Deife said it was his experience in rural schools.

"Primarily because he had experience in small schools," Deife said.

Clark has over 34 years of experience and has worked in many schools across Washington State, including a stint with the Reardan-Edwall School District. He also had stops in the Quilcene School District, the Cascade School District in Leavenworth and the Washtucna School District.

"I have experience specifically in Lincoln County," Clark said. "I was the superintendent in Reardan 1997-2004. My wife has taught in Davenport and Harrington."

Clark moved to the Sequim School District in 2019, but resigned after a year and a half in that position following a staff complaint.

"There was a formal complaint filed against me by an employee," Clark said. "Nothing was ever found, but the school district and I felt it was best to part ways."

According to a local Sequim news report, the terms of the resignation noted that the "Parties agree the recent investigation conducted regarding complaints against Dr. Clark did not involve any allegation of inappropriate conduct with the students of the district."

Deife declined to comment on Clark's tenuous departure from Sequim or whether that impacted the district's decision to make the hire.

The hire comes after John Bruce announced his resignation in late January following a short superintendent stint that began last summer.

No reason was given for Bruce's abrupt departure, but it was mentioned he would be taking a similar position in Alaska.