Humboldt Unified names Brett Dahl interim superintendent, approves final performance pay for departing superintendent

The Humboldt Unified School District Governing Board voted to offer Brett Dahl the position of interim superintendent for a one-year term beginning 05/31/2025 and ending 05/31/2026, with a salary of $155,000 and benefits, and approved payment of the second half of outgoing Superintendent Dr. Griffin’s 2024–25 performance pay in the amount of $3,976.

Board President Wolcott announced the board would offer Brett Dahl an interim contract and then moved the formal motion. After a second, the board voted "Aye" and the motion carried. Later, the board returned from executive session and voted to "approve payment of the second half of superintendent's performance pay plan pertaining to the superintendent's annual goals in the amount of $3,976," a motion made by President Wolcott and seconded by board member Unbrecht.

Why it matters: The board used an executive-session process allowed by state statute to discuss personnel and contract terms, then took public action to finalize pay and the interim appointment. The moves set leadership and compensation for the district during the transition following Superintendent Dr. Griffin’s resignation.

Discussion and background: The board met in executive session to review superintendent goals and the second half of the superintendent’s performance pay under state law (see authorities). After returning to public session, President Wolcott made the motion to approve the $3,976 payment tied to Dr. Griffin’s annual goals, and the board approved it. The board then discussed terms of employment for an interim superintendent in executive session and later publicly offered the interim position to Brett Dahl.

Public comment and community input related to succession: Community member David Steele spoke during public participation urging the board to conduct a thorough search for the next permanent superintendent. Steele said, "I would advocate for a nationwide search" and recommended forming a community advisory group for interviews and including parents and business leaders in the process.

Reaction from appointee and departing superintendent: Brett Dahl, after the vote, said, "I'm honored. I really am. This district means a lot to me," and thanked staff and the community. Superintendent Dr. Griffin, who the board recognized at the start of the meeting for eight years of service including two as superintendent, earlier said, "it's been such an honor to serve this district, our students, our family, and our community. And I will truly miss school."

Next steps and limits: The board announced the interim contract terms publicly after executive-session deliberations and indicated any changes noted during executive session would be included in the final contract. The board did not vote at the meeting on a process for hiring the permanent superintendent; public comment recommended a nationwide search and community advisory involvement, but the board did not adopt a permanent-search plan during this session.

Ending: With the interim appointment and the performance-pay approval complete, the board adjourned the meeting.