COEUR d'ALENE — The third time may be the charm for Coeur d'Alene School District Superintendent Matt Handelman.

Handelman confirmed Wednesday he is pursuing a superintendent position with the Northshore School District, which covers portions of both King County and Snohomish County in Washington. It is the third position Handelman, who has been the superintendent of Coeur d'Alene schools since 2013, has applied for this year.

Handelman previously applied for positions with Cheney Public Schools and the Edmonds School District.

"Community members and colleagues across Coeur d'Alene who have talked to me about my applications elsewhere have been understanding of and encouraging about personal and professional growth opportunities for me and my family. I greatly appreciate that support," Handelman wrote in an email to The Press. "While I have communicated with all school board members about the potential professional opportunities I have sought, I remain steadfast in my level of commitment and care in the leadership I provide to our district."

According to the Northshore School District's website, there are more than 21,000 students enrolled at more than 30 Northshore schools. Northshore employs more than 2,000 people and has an annual operating budget of $200 million.

Private interviews of semifinalists for the position were conducted this week in executive sessions of the Northshore School District Board of Trustees. The names of the semifinalists are not released to the public, and the district anticipates it will announce the names of finalists for the position on June 15.

In an email to The Press Wednesday, Board Chair Christa Hazel said it is a common practice for superintendents to explore career moves.

"Superintendent Handelman has kept us apprised of the applications he has made to other districts and I am sure he will continue to do so," she wrote. "As board chair, I support him in his pursuit of professional opportunities."

The Press sought comment from all five of the board members Wednesday. Trustee Dave Eubanks was the only other board member to respond.

“We have been advised not to say anything at this time,” Eubanks wrote in a short email message to the paper.