The Dieringer School District Board of Directors has identified two candidates to present to the community for the position of superintendent.

The finalists are Michael Farmer, executive director of Innovation and Learning for the Eatonville School District, and Louanne Decker, executive director of Principal Leadership and School Programs for the Auburn School District.

The board hired Puget Sound Educational Service District to lead the search for a new district leader.

“The board is thrilled and excited to present two incredible education leaders to the Dieringer school community,” said Board Chair Greg Garrison. “The passion, knowledge and skills each candidate would bring to the position of superintendent will serve us well as we continue our journey of academic and operational excellence.”

Farmer and Decker each will spend a day in the district that will include a tour of schools and the community, meetings with staff, a public meet and greet forum, and a final interview with the Board.

On Monday, May 13 and Tuesday, May 14, the district hosts two Meet the Superintendent Finalists Community Forums at North Tapps Middle School, 20029 12th St. E., Lake Tapps.

• Farmer is available from 5 to 6 p.m., Monday, May 13.

• Decker is available from 5 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 14.

The public is encouraged to attend the meet-and-greet forums. Child care will be provided. It’s an opportunity to meet the final candidates, ask questions and provide feedback to the board.

The board is scheduled to announce its selection of the next superintendent on May 20, and to vote on the selection at its May 28 meeting.

Any questions regarding forums should be directed to Garrison at 253-862-2537.

A contract with the superintendent begins July 1.

About the candidates

Michael Farmer is a graduate of Eastern Washington University, with a major in education. He earned his master’s degree from Western Washington University, and is pursuing his superintendent credential at CityU Seattle. He has served as a teacher at Kent School District, teacher and administrator at Highline Public Schools, as well as a teacher, principal and administrator with leadership positions in instructional technology at Tacoma Public Schools, before coming to Eatonville.

Dr. Louanne H. Decker is a graduate of Washington State University, with a major in elementary education with a special education endorsement. She earned her master’s degree from Pacific Lutheran University, her superintendent certification at Seattle University, and her doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Washington, Tacoma. She has served as a teacher at Issaquah School District, a teacher, principal and administrator at Auburn School District, and as an administrator at Kent School District.