REDMOND — John Rexford, deputy superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools, is one of three finalists vying to lead the High Desert Education Service District.

The ESD provides various services — from administrative support to legal representation — to a handful of school districts in the region, including Bend-La Pine, Redmond, Sisters and Crook County. Its board announced Wednesday that it had identified three candidates for the job currently held by Superintendent Dennis Dempsey, who is retiring in June.

‘High level of experience’

“This group of finalists brings a high level of experience and talent to the table in our search for a new superintendent,” said HDESD Board Chairman Terry Rahmsdorff in a prepared statement.

“This is an important decision that will impact our local school districts, and our board has taken it very seriously.”

The other two finalists are Paul Andrews, executive director of High Desert ESD’s School Improvement Program, and Michael Lasher, deputy superintendent for the Intermountain Education Service District in Eastern Oregon. Andrews has been with High Desert ESD for 12 years, also working as director of special programs. Lasher has worked for Intermountain ESD for 15 years.

Rexford, an administrator for Bend-La Pine Schools since 1989, said the position would allow him grow professionally without leaving Central Oregon.

“I have raised my family in Bend and been a Central Oregonian for 23 years,” Rexford said Wednesday. “I really am not looking at moving. We love the area, and this affords me a professional opportunity without leaving.”

High Desert ESD is a good opportunity, he said, because the organization is recognized as a state leader in providing services to schools and students.

Rexford came to Bend-La Pine Schools as the auxiliary services manager in 1989 and later worked as director of administrative and support services and assistant superintendent of operations. He became deputy superintendent in 2008 when Ron Wilkinson was appointed superintendent of Bend La-Pine Schools.

In his current role, Rexford focuses on areas that include educational support, operations and special education. Before coming to Bend, Rexford was a business manager at Glide School District and a finance manager for Winston-Dillard School District.

The candidates will have interviews with High Desert ESD officials next Wednesday and Thursday. The board expects to make a decision at its Feb. 21 monthly meeting, according to the district.

Meet the finalists

The public can meet the three finalists at an open house scheduled for 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the High Desert ESD offices, 145 SE Salmon Ave., Redmond.