Orozco interviews for superintendent job in Washington

Whitefish superintendent Kate Orozco was one of four finalists for a superintendent position in Medical Lake, Wash., near Spokane.

Each of the candidates interviewed with Medical Lake School District trustees and administrators on April 28. Orozco was not selected for the job.

Orozco has ties to Spokane and said her decision to apply for the job was related to a family matter. The Medical Lake job presented an opportunity to be closer to family in the area, she said.

Orozco said she isn’t actively looking to leave the Whitefish district.

“I love our kids, teachers, administrators and staff,” she said. “I have deep regard for our citizens, and I’d like to remain here and serve our Whitefish community.”

Whitefish trustee Pat Jarvi said the school board knew Orozco was applying for the Medical Lake job and that her position in Whitefish remains in good standing.

“I asked the blessing of the trustees and administrators before interviewing for the position,” Orozco said.

Orozco has a three-year contract with the district, although a superintendent can resign at any time.

She was hired in 2011 after Jerry House retired. Before coming to Whitefish she was the associate superintendent with the North Platte Public Schools in North Platte, Neb.

Orozco received her bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees from Gonzaga University in Spokane. She spent six years in Spokane with the Small Schools Project, and worked as an adjunct professor with Gonzaga.

Orozco was named Superintendent of the Year for the northwest region in 2013 by the Montana Association of School Superintendents.