The Peoria Unified governing board convened a special meeting to announce the finalists for the district’s superintendent search, Nov. 8.

The announcement followed a closed-door executive session during which board members discussed the candidates.

Consultant McPherson & Jacobson has been spearheading the search to replace former PUSD Superintendent Jason Reynolds, who resigned June 30.

Chief Technological and Operations Officer Kevin Molino is the acting superintendent.

The following finalists, in alphabetical order, will be invited to interview with the governing board and stakeholder interview teams Nov. 14-15.

• John N. (Nate) Carman, currently serving as superintendent, Socorro Independent School District;

• Jon P. Holmen, Ed.D., currently serving as superintendent, Lake Washington School District;

• Kenneth Christopher (KC) Somers, Ed.D., currently serving as superintendent, Lewis-Palmer School District.

Learn more about them here.

John N. Carman

Nate Carman

• Carman currently serves Socorro Independent School District in El Paso, Texas as their superintendent.

Prior to his appointment in Socorro Independent School District, Carman was the superintendent of San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, superintendent of Teague Independent School District and assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction at Pine Tree Independent School District.

While at those districts, Carman worked to increase student achievement and prioritize financial stewardship. He earned his doctorate in educational administration from the University of North Texas, his masters of education from Texas Woman’s University and his bachelors of arts in mathematics from Fort Lewis College in Colorado.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve Peoria Unified. This district is a true gem in Arizona’s northwest Valley and I hope to inspire students and staff to continue shining brightly with success,” he said.

Jon P. Holmen

Jon Holmen

• Holmen currently serves the Lake Washington School District in Redmond, Washington as their superintendent. For the past 25 years, Holmen has served that community in a myriad of roles including deputy superintendent, associate superintendent and director of school support.

Earning his doctorate degree in educational leadership from Seattle Pacific University, Holmen strives to use his knowledge to build partnerships with families, staff, students and the community. Holmen’s additional degrees include a master’s in educational leadership from Seattle Pacific University, masters degree in teaching from City University in Seattle, and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Seattle Pacific University.

“Peoria Unified is a unique place, one that aligns with my values and one that will continue striving to achieve excellence for students. Peoria Unified has a strong staff, an excellent community and amazing students. It would be an honor to serve in such a place,” he said.

Kenneth Christopher Somers

Kenneth Christopher Somers

• Somers currently serves the Lewis-Palmer School District in Monument, Colorado as their superintendent. For the past five years, he has worked to transform the Lewis-Palmer School District with an academic first approach which has led the district to perform in the top five percent of all Colorado schools. Prior to this appointment, he served in a variety of roles in school districts across Colorado including as the area superintendent of Aurora Public Schools. Somers earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Phoenix in 2013.

Additionally, he earned his master’s degree in education from the American Intercontinental University and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Notre Dame.

“I am prepared and eager to not only lead this school system, but also live in a community where I can build relationships and partner with families to ensure that all students receive the quality, personalized education they deserve.”