From a pool of approximately 30 superintendent applicants, the Merrill Area Public Schools Board of Education has narrowed the field to two candidates who will be going through second interviews tonight.

The board has selected Dr. John Sample and Dr. Stephen Guenther as its top picks for the MAPS superintendent post.

Sample has served as MAPS Director of Special Education/Pupil Services for the past eight years. He was appointed acting superintendent in April, following the resignation of former superintendent Wally Leipart.
Guenther is currently the superintendent and pupil services director for the Albany School District, a district in Green County, Wis. with an enrollment of 360 students.

The board may select its top choice for superintendent following tonight’s interviews, noted board president Jen Seliger.

“It depends on how the board wishes to move forward,” Seliger said.

A meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday to potentially sign a contact with a new superintendent.
In the past, the district has used a search firm to assist with the application and screening process. This time, the district’s Human Resources Department posted the position and took the applications. The board of education then handled the screening and interviewing process on their own.
“The board felt we could handle the entire process,” Seliger said.

Community members and district staff were involved in the interview process as well. A total of 17 people participated in two nights of interviews.