Coeur d'Alene School District Superintendent Shon Hocker is seeking a superintendent job in another state.

Hocker, who has led the Coeur d'Alene School District since July 1, 2021, is one of two finalists vying for the position of superintendent in Pueblo School District in Pueblo, Colo. He is in Boise attending the Idaho Law Conference with three school board trustees today, but will travel to Pueblo for the final interview Wednesday. In a Monday letter to staff, Hocker said he expects the Pueblo trustees to select the superintendent shortly after the final interviews.

"I understand that news of my candidacy for a position with another district may come as a surprise and possibly a disappointment to you," Hocker said in the letter, which was sent today to The Press.

"My decision to explore this opportunity came after much reflection and conversation with my family," Hocker said. "Together we determined that this opportunity was worth further exploration, although the idea of leaving Coeur d’Alene and no longer working with you makes it very difficult."

Hocker said he would be timely and transparent about decisions that will be made in the coming weeks.

"As the current superintendent of our district, my dedication to supporting our school community and advancing our shared goals remains," he said. "I will continue to lead and work alongside you in the best interest of our students just as we have done over the last three years."

Hocker's predecessor, Steve Cook, served the district from July 2018 to July 2021. Cook replaced Stan Olson, who led in an interim capacity during the 2017-18 school year. Olson replaced Trina Caudle, the district’s then-director of secondary education who served as acting superintendent when the previous superintendent, Matt Handelman, resigned in April 2017. Handelman was hired as associate superintendent in 2010 and became superintendent in 2013.