Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The Colton School District placed its first advertisements last week for an opening for superintendent after the announcement that Nate Smith will be leaving July 1.
Smith, who has served as Colton’s superintendent and high school principal for the past seven years, is returning to Grangeville, Idaho, to work in his father-in-law’s ranching and property management business. Both Smith and his wife Whitney are from Grangeville.
“It’s been a wonderful opportunity, a wonderful place to work and I enjoyed every minute of it,” Smith said.
He came to Colton in 2004 as a K-12 principal and also became athletic director. He was later named the junior and senior high school principal and district superintendent.
“We wish Nate all the best. He leaves our district in a very strong leadership and financial position,” said Jana Schultheis, school board president. “We’ll miss his entire family, Whitney and the children. A selfless, giving family.”
To administer the search for Smith’s replacement, the school board has retained Michael Dunn, superintendent of Spokane Educational Service District 101.
Dunn placed the first ads for the Colton job through the ESD’s website. Application deadline is April 9 followed by screening and reference checks April 10-18 and interviews the week of April 23.
Will there be any internal candidates?
“I don’t expect them, but we would be delighted to have them,” said Schultheis.
A highlight of Smith’s time in Colton was the passing in 2013 of a $5.6 million bond to help fund the subsequent expansion and remodeling of the school.
“It was a big job. It’s been great, very happy with it,” said Smith.
He began his career as an industrial technology teacher at Lake Roosevelt High School in the Grand Coulee district after getting his degree from the University of Idaho.
At present, the Colton district has 153 full-time equivalent students.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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