Superintendent search continues

The search for Portales Municipal Schools' superintendent continues after Grady schools Superintendent Ted Trice declined the school board's offer Monday night.

Trice was one of four final candidates considered to replace retiring Portales schools Superintendent Randy Fowler.

"They're very gracious to offer the job and I appreciate that but for now, (Grady) is the best place for us to be," said Trice about the decision he said he made with his family. "I've prayed about it. I think this is the best thing for my family."

Board of Education President Alan Garrett said the search will remain open, but the board expects to make another decision and announcement on its selection at a meeting set for May 29.

"(Trice) had indicated that he was interested in the job and we offered it to him but he decided it was not the right position at the right time," said a surprised Garrett.

Trice said his decision to turn down the position had nothing to do with Portales schools or the school board, but was about his family's needs.

"I have no fault or gripes with the board, nothing they did was wrong and they're very kind people," Trice said. "The final decision is, you got to do what's best for your family overall. I'm sad it came down to that decline."

Garrett said his impression of Trice was that he is a humble man and an excellent fit for the schools and the community based off his interview with the board.

He also said his experience as superintendent of Grady more than qualified Trice.

"We liked the idea that he placed students first in decision-making," Garrett said. "His focus was on the well-being of students.

The three other candidates will still be considered for the position, according to Garrett, but he said the search will remain open until the position is filled.

"Anything is possible, but we got to do what's best for the district," Garrett said.

Two of the remaining three candidates, David Van Wettering and Henry Montano, work for the district. Elida schools Superintendent Jim Daugherty rounds out the list of the finalists.

Van Wettering is director of instruction for Portales schools and has been with the district for 21 years.

Montano is the district's director of federal programs and has worked in education for a total of 17 years between the school districts of Clovis and Portales.

Daugherty has been an educator and administrator for almost 25 years and has served among the school districts of Elida, Portales and Floyd.