TR R-X hires interim superintendent

The Twin Rivers R-X school board appointed Mike Stevenson as interim superintendent while it conducts the search for a permanent one.

Stevenson’s appointment was made during a special session Wednesday night.

Former Superintendent Jeremy Siebert accepted a position with the Charleston school district last month. He said he’s available for Twin Rivers if they call and need him for something, but already is attending meetings with Charleston in his new role as superintendent there.

“We needed an interim superintendent to fill a gap, just in case we don’t get somebody in that new role very quickly,” Board President Billy Watson said. “The other reason was we needed somebody to help set up interviews and actually lead interviews.”

Stevenson served as superintendent for the district for seven years before he retired in 2014. Siebert was hired as his replacement.

“I’m an alumni here and also retired superintendent from Twin Rivers, so I just wanted to help,” Stevenson said.

During this period, Stevenson will serve as interim superintendent — keeping things running and organized during complicated times with COVID-19 — and offering guidance to board members during the superintendent search.

He will work part-time in the office to look over things, sign documents that need attention and look over reports that need to be submitted.

“With the shutdown … it seems like things have kind of slowed down. It’s not as fast paced situation as a normal school year, but I’m sure there’s going to be other challenges that we have to deal with,” Stevenson said.

He also could help with the transition and acclimating the incoming superintendent once one is hired.

“I retired six years ago, and a lot of things have changed, but there’s a lot of things that are still the same too,” he said.

One of the challenges the district will need to deal with is what to do with summer school, he said.

School districts across the state have closed for the remainder of the school year, but summer school still is up in the air.

Stevenson said some of the questions around it include whether it will happen, when it would start and whether there are alternative methods for it.

Watson said the three-month contract Stevenson signed is considered fluid. It can be extended or shortened if both the board and Stevenson agree. Under the contract, Stevenson will receive $40 an hour up to $5,000 a month while he’s working.

“I’ll be here as long as they need me and help them any way I can,” Stevenson said.

Board members looked at some of the superintendent candidates during the board meeting, Watson said, and also discussed the interview process for potential candidates.

He said they have about eight candidates for the position so far.