East Valley Names Valley’s Mandi Rehn as Next Superintendent

Rehn, who is the superintendent for the Valley School District, between Chewelah and Springdale, is set to formally begin her new job in July, succeeding outgoing Superintendent Brian Talbott, who has led the district for more than five years.

Her career began as a kindergarten teacher at Cooper and Indian Trail elementary schools. She later served as principal at Michael Anderson and Opportunity elementaries, earning state recognition during her time at Opportunity. She moved into district administration at Central Valley School District in 2020 before joining Valley School District in 2022.

“Leaving Valley (School District) has been a very tough decision…It is hard to put into words the impact Valley School District and community has had on my life and my career,” Rehn said, adding, “I am so proud of the work we have accomplished together the last few years and can’t wait to see where they go next…Valley is a very special place that has made a permanent mark on my heart, and I am grateful for the learning and growing I have done while there. I will miss Valley deeply.”

East Valley’s school board chose Rehn after restarting its superintendent search earlier this year. The district had launched a monthslong search to replace Talbott, but board members did not identify a suitable candidate in the first round. When the process reopened in January, Rehn applied alongside finalists Eric Sobotta, superintendent of Reardan-Edwall, and Larry Quisano, an administrator with Spokane Public Schools.

Rehn said she did not apply during the first round because she felt committed to her work in Valley, including efforts tied to construction of a new early learning center there. She said she takes seriously the responsibility to leave each position better than she found it.

After East Valley’s initial search failed to produce a hire, however, she reconsidered. Rehn said conversations with mentors, including Talbott, and hearing staff members reflect on their experiences in East Valley helped convince her to pursue the position.

“I was attracted to East Valley because, although it is a larger district then Valley, it still seems small enough to still be a family. They have developed a strategic plan that encompasses the work I believe in and what I think is best for students,” she said.

Rehn continued, “I am excited to work with the East Valley School Board and the Leadership team to move the district forward with the strategic plan and hopefully the construction of two new buildings in the district. When I visited the district, I was greeted with support, kindness, and excitement that was contagious. I am impressed with the work that has been done there the past few years and think that my strengths and passions will work well with where the district is headed.”

As far as hiring a replacement goes, Rehn said Valley School District has already begun the process. 

“The superintendent position is posted right now for candidates to apply. It closes on April 24. The School Board will start looking at applications the week of April 27, with interviews to follow that same week,” Rehn noted. “The district hopes to have the new superintendent hired, pending board approval, by the end of April. Superintendent contracts start July 1.”