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Darlington board OKs Vogler as superintendent
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DARLINGTON - The Darlington school board has selected the district's next superintendent.

Jennifer Vogler, the superintendent and a principal in the Ithaca school district, will take over the position held by Joe Galle on July 1, pending contract acceptance.

Vogler was not one of four finalists identified by the board for the position. Galle said the board interviewed those four candidates, Linda Erickson, curriculum supervisor in Darlington; Gordon Geurink, interim superintendent at Cochrane-Fountain City; Christopher Nelson, superintendent at Rice Lake; and Christopher Thomalla, superintendent of Elcho school district.

Galle said he met Vogler at a conference a few weeks ago. He didn't know her, but mentioned the opening to her. Vogler applied. The board interviewed her in closed session April 28. On Monday, the board chose her to lead the district of about 780 students. Ithaca's district has about 340 students.

"The other candidates the board determined just weren't a good fit," Galle said. "Jennifer seems anxious. She had a good interview and she seems like someone the board could work with."

Galle said an offer has been given to Vogler, who is in the process of negotiations over salary. Thus, her anticipated salary is not yet available.

Galle's last day will be June 30, about two years later than he first thought. He retired two years ago, but returned for two one-year terms as superintendent when the board failed to find a suitable replacement.

Vogler's arrival during the summer will benefit her, Galle said.

"She will get accustomed to the routine of the district," Galle said. "She will talk with individuals, including our two principals, and be ready to go."

Vogler did not want to comment until after a deal is finalized.