Board approves new Executive Principal position on two‑year trial after debate over leadership structure

The Washington County Board of Education approved a new Executive Principal position on a two‑year trial basis, voting to post and recruit for the role with the intent that a hire could begin July 1 if a suitable candidate is found.

Proponents said the position would provide day‑to‑day leadership development and evaluation support for principals and assistant principals, allowing focused coaching and succession development across the district's schools. Board member Mike Masters moved the trial‑period motion; after extended discussion among board members and the superintendent about duties and whether the director of schools should retain direct oversight, the motion passed with one member opposing.

Opponents raised concerns about creating another senior position and the potential for duplicative layers of oversight. Several board members and the superintendent said the position was intended as support, not a replacement for the superintendent's direct oversight of principals; the superintendent said he intended to remain the principals' direct supervisor.

Budget and timing: Board members indicated the district would include the position in next year's budget and that the district has cash reserves to cover the addition if approved by the board. The superintendent also said he would only fill the role if a candidate met the district's expectations.

Why it matters: The board framed the hire as an investment in school leadership and principal development for a district with more than 1,200 employees. The two‑year trial gives the board a window to evaluate whether the role achieves its goals before making it permanent.

Outcome: Motion carried; recorded as approved with one no vote. The board directed staff to prepare a posting and include the anticipated cost in next year's budget conversations.