Chestnut to lead Selah schools as interim chief

SELAH, Wash. — Steve Chestnut, retiring superintendent of the Moses Lake School District,was named as the interim superintendent of the Selah School District on Wednesday night.

“I’m very excited about this position and am looking forward to moving to Selah to work with a great school district and a great school board,” Chestnut said in a phone interview. “My first goal is to get to know the staff and the commun-ity, students and parents.”

School Board President Todd Trepanier said contract negotiations are under way. Former superintendent Debra Howard, who served a year before submitting her resignation May 13, earned an annual salary of $128,562.

Howard’s last day leading the 3,500-student district was Tuesday. Until Chestnut comes on board Aug. 3, assistant superintendent Chris Scacco will be in charge.

Chestnut will serve in his post through next June. He previously stated he wasn’t interested in the permanent position but now says anything is possible.

“It’s too soon to know if Selah will be permanent, but I’m not ruling it out,” he said. 

Chestnut, 53, has been an educator for 32 years. For the past 12 years, he’s worked as superintendent of Moses Lake Schools, which has 7,500 students. He retired from his position in June.

School board members said Chestnut was their choice because of his familiarity with the Washington education system. Chestnut also helped Moses Lake pass six consecutive levies and a $34 million bond.

“We want someone who is already proven as a superintendent,” Trepanier said. “He’s very qualified.”

Scacco agrees, saying she hopes to benefit from Chestnut’s experience.

“I believe we made the right choice in Dr. Chestnut,” she said. “I’m excited to be a sponge next year and learn from him.”

Chestnut was chosen over fellow finalist Rick Pass, who served as superintendent of the Knappa School District in Astoria, Ore.

Trepanier said the school board will begin searching for a permanent superintendent next winter, when the greatest range of candidates will be seeking employment.

Chestnut and his wife of 30 years are native to Washington and have a grown daughter and son.

• Erin Snelgrove can be reached at 509-577-7684 or esnelgrove@yakimaherald.com.