Maize district announces third finalist for superintendent

The third finalist for the top job at Maize public schools is Chris Ruder, associate superintendent of schools in McPherson, officials announced Wednesday.

Ruder, who has served in McPherson since 2008, is an adjunct professor in educational leadership at Baker University and is working on completing his dissertation through Kansas State University. He has degrees from K-State and Fort Hays State University, Maize officials said in a statement on the district website.

He previously worked as a middle school principal, athletic director and assistant principal in McPherson.

The public is invited to attend a reception to meet Ruder from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Maize South Middle School, 3403 N. Tyler.

Maize is searching for a replacement for Superintendent Doug Powers, who will leave the district this summer to become assistant superintendent for business and public relations for the Turner school district in Kansas City, Kan.

The Maize board has narrowed its field of superintendent candidates to four and is conducting interviews and host public receptions for each finalist this week.

The first finalist, announced Monday, is Andrew Koenigs, associate superintendent for human resources for Emporia schools. The second finalist is Cory Gibson, superintendent of Valley Center schools.

The fourth and final candidate will be announced and interviewed Thursday.

This story was originally published April 29, 2015 at 9:39 AM with the headline "Maize district announces third finalist for superintendent."