Coeur d'Alene School District Superintendent Steve Cook is a finalist in a superintendent search in the Bend-La Pine School District in Bend, Ore., a district of more than 18,000 students.

He is one of two finalists. The other contender is Kristina Bellamy, the director of K-12 teaching and learning with the Anchorage School District in Alaska.

Cook has been the Coeur d'Alene superintendent since July 2018.

“Coeur d’Alene is a special place that strongly supports our schools and cares deeply about the success of all students. It continues to be an honor to lead this district and work with this dedicated team of educators and support staff," Cook said in a statement to The Press sent Thursday. "While this has been a rewarding experience for me personally and professionally, I’m also open to new challenges and opportunities in my career.”

Cook previously served as acting superintendent at Douglas County School District in suburban Denver, a district of 68,000 students. From 2014 to 2018, he served as that district's assistant superintendent of secondary schools and deputy superintendent.

Coeur d'Alene School Board Chairman Casey Morrisroe submitted a statement speaking on behalf of the entire board. He said Cook is "an exceptional educational leader who has guided our district through substantial change in a short period of time."

"This district has benefited from his skills, vision and passion for student achievement," Morrisroe said. "He has made significant and lasting improvements to help this district be proactive, transparent and innovative."

He said Cook has worked closely with the board, forging a trusting and collaborative partnership board members value.

"He has been open with the trustees about this new opportunity, and though we don’t want to see him leave, we will respect his decision and support him in his professional goals," Morrisroe said.