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Board orders reengagement of Withrow and Taft principal searches, appoints interim principals for school year start
Summary
After community concern about how two high‑school principal searches were handled, the board directed administration to reengage the Local School Decision Making Committees and restart the selection process, appointing interim principals for up to 90 days while the search is completed.
Responding to public concern and questions about process consistency, the Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education on June 23 directed the district to reengage Local School Decision Making Committees (LSDMCs) and restart principal selection processes at Withrow University High School and Taft High School. The board also approved interim principal appointments to cover the start of the school year while the committee process is re‑run.
The nut graf: Board members said the policy governing naming, principal selection and LSDMC composition must be followed with clear, consistent engagement and a full complement of members; they voted to require administration to re‑run the selection processes and to place interim principals for a limited period while the district completes a renewed LSDMC process.
Board members debated timing and practicality. Several members said a full re‑search takes time; the board ultimately asked for a renewed process with a 90‑day interim period to maintain leadership continuity while allowing LSDMCs to add members and carry out the selection per policy.
Quotes and attribution: President Moffitt asked that any reengagement include the full complement of LSDMC members, saying the board must ensure community voices are heard. Board member Lindy requested the administration return a principal selection implementation plan and a timeline; superintendent Murphy told the board she would follow board direction on timing and process.
Ending: The board directed administration to proceed with a renewed LSDMC engagement and principal search steps, to appoint interim principals (start date to be confirmed consistent with the board motion) and to report progress at the next board meeting.
Vote: The motion to reengage LSDMCs and use interim principals for up to 90 days carried by board vote.
