Dave Holmes Hired as New District Superintendent

La Center School District Hires New Superintendent

The La Center School District Board of Directors decided at their special meeting on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 to select Mr. Dave Holmes as the new district superintendent.  He will begin work on July 1, 2016.

Dave brings with him a wealth of experience in the La Center School District.  From 2010 to 2014 he worked as La Center’s Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning.  Prior to that, Dave held the position of La Center High School Principal, La Center High School Vice-Principal and teacher; dating his experience in La Center back to 1993.  Since 2014, Dave has worked as the Superintendent of Three Rivers School District in Josephine County, Oregon.

A high energy, positive, good-natured and hard working person, Dave is seen as an excellent fit for the district culture and well-suited to take over for Dr. Mark Mansell, La Center School District Superintendent who is retiring after 11 years of service.  Dave says he is “Extremely excited to come home to the La Center community.  I’m even more excited to have the opportunity to work again with the outstanding educational team at La Center.  I look forward to getting started.”  Dr. Mansell will work with Mr. Holmes over the next three months to help with his transition into the position.  “We’re thrilled that the Board has hired Dave.  He is knowledgeable and committed to the La Center community,” Dr. Mansell added, “We know Dave and Dave knows us—he’ll be an outstanding superintendent.”

Dave Holmes was hired after an extensive interview process where he and three other highly-qualified candidates were interviewed by the School Board, Teachers, Staff, Students and the general public over a period of two days.  The Board reported being pleased by the wealth of talent vying for the position.  While all of the candidates were capable of doing the job, the School Board felt that in addition to his excellent qualifications, Mr. Holmes’ familiarity with the district made him the best candidate for the job.  His long-standing ties to the community will allow for a shortened transition time as he already has good relationships in place within the district.  The Board felt it was vitally important that the new Superintendent be able to immediately begin working to address the need for a new school building due to the nearby casino currently under construction.