Board chooses Dittberner

Tim Dittberner has been chosen as the next superintendent for the New Prague Area Schools. 

Two candidates interviewed for the position - Dittberner, currently the middle school principal in the district, and Greg Winter, current superintendent at Braham schools and a former New Prague High School teacher. Winter interviewed on Monday and Dittberner on Tuesday. Candidates took part in a public forum at the middle school auditorium in the afternoon, had dinner with the school board, and then faced an hour-long interview where the board had 22 questions for the candidates.

Following a break after Tuesday's interview, 

Board members ranked the two candidates, with six of the seven picking Dittberner as the top candidate. 

Dennis Havlicek moved to enter negotiations with Dittberner. "It was a thorough process, I was very pleased with the candidates, they did a very good job of presenting their views," he said.

Jerry Walerius seconded the motion, saying it was a tough choice between two good finalists. 

The board voted to negotiate with Dittberner on a 7-0 vote. He was contacted by phone, and accepted the position, pending negotiation of a contact. 

Dittberner will replace Larry Kauzlarich, who was hired in 2011 as interim superintendent. He will begin his duties on July 1.