Questions raised about superintendent candidate’s past employment

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 has narrowed its search for a new superintendent down to three candidates. But some are raising questions about the past employment of one of those candidates.

Glen Szymoniak was superintendent of the McCall-Donnelley Joint School District until December. Prior to leaving, he was placcd on a leave of absense, according to various news reports.

In December, Szymoniak stepped down and the district announced it had reached a settlement agreement with him.

The district never went into details about the circumstances in which Szymoniak left, and Szymoniak didn’t elaborate when asked about it Monday.

“It’s kind of difficult because I’m not supposed to discuss it,” Szymoniak said. “It was a personnel issue.”

Prior to leaving the McCall-Donnelley Joint School District, Szymoniak served as superintendent for six years. He said this experience makes him qualified to lead Pocatello/Chubbuck schools.

“I have proven experience as a superintendent,” said Szymoniak. “What I bring to the table is a proven history of using teamwork.”

The other finalists for the superintendent position are Joel Wilson, current superintendent of the Preston School District, and Randy Jensen, a middle school principal in American Falls.

The district is expected to make a decision on Friday.