SALINA – John Philip Thissen will interview for the position of superintendent with the Salina board of education on Wednesday evening.

Thissen announced his upcoming resignation from Hays USD 489 in October. He will be serving out the remainder of his current contract, which ends June 30.

Thissen is the third of four finalists that the board will interview. Finalists were selected for interview based on their fit with desired characteristics that were developed with input from focus groups and a community survey.

Thissen has a total of 35 years in public education, currently serving as superintendent of schools in Hays USD 489. He has served as superintendent for 12 years between Hays and Herington USD 487, 17 years as a middle school principal in McPherson USD 418, Great Bend USD 428 and Geary County USD 475 and 5 years as a teacher in Herington and Pretty Prairie USD 311. Thissen taught secondary science and coached.

Wednesday schedule

9-9:30 a.m. — Meet with Board Clerk

9:30-11 a.m. — Meet with Executive Team Members

11-12:30 p.m. — Meet with Building Administrators

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Tour of District/Community

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Break

3:45-5:00 p.m. — Public Reception (1511 Gypsum Ave.)

5-6 p.m. — Break

6:15 p.m. — Dinner with Board of Education. A formal interview will follow the dinner.

Dinner and formal interview (during executive session) will be held at the Holiday Inn, 3145 9th St. No official action will take place.

Check the district website for more information.

Goodland USD 352 Superintendent William Biermann is also interviewing for the Salina superintendent job.