Danville, IA- The Danville School District has named three finalists in their search for a new superintendent. The finalists are Mark Taylor, Derek Philips, and Patrick Wallace. Taylor currently serves as principal of North Hill Elementary in Burlington. Taylor also serves as the Title I Director for the district, Autism Committee chair, as well as a participant on District SIAC, Teacher Leadership, and Professional Development committee for multiple elementary buildings in Burlington. Before becoming an administrator, Taylor spent 10 years in vocal and instrumental music education. Philips is the current principal of Columbus Elementary School in Chariton, Iowa. There, he leads a staff of 50 and 330 students in pre-kindergarten through second grade, with a focus on creating a collaborative culture through embedded professional development. He has also worked to create a systematic approach to special education across the district. Philips was previously associate principal at Liberty Elementary in Ottumwa, Iowa. As principal of Wright City West Elementary School, Wallace has created an innovative and systematic approach to educating the "whole" child, using strategies like implementing Trauma-Informed Schools, character education, and de-escalation techniques. He also created and implemented a before- and after-school club program. Previously, Wallace served as assistant principal of Mason Ridge Elementary School in St. Louis, Missouri. He began his career as a seventh-grade world history teacher. The Board of Education has been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search for a new superintendent. As a next step, the board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three candidates on Wednesday, April 6th. The board expects to reach a final decision soon after these interviews. The new superintendent will officially begin serving the Danville School District on July 1st, 2022.