Sierra Vista Unified board delays superintendent search and decision on interim superintendent Terry Romo

At a special meeting, the Sierra Vista Unified District Governing Board moved from executive session into public session and took up two tied personnel items: the recommended award of RFP 26-01-27 for a superintendent search firm and a possible appointment of interim superintendent Terry Romo to the permanent superintendent role.

The board heard a staff recommendation that "the governing board approve the award of RFP 26-01-27 to one of the vendors discussed in executive session. This award is valid through 06/30/2026," according to district staff. Two firms discussed in executive session — Ray Associates (in association with CECIL) and McPherson & Jacobson — were named in motions to award the contract but neither motion resulted in a final award after the board decided to table the matter.

The decision to table the RFP award passed 4-1. Board members said they wanted more information before committing to a search firm, including additional context about the interim superintendent and budget implications. "We're kind of maybe missing some information," a board member said during discussion about the RFP and related process.

Board members also debated whether to proceed with a full external search or to consider appointing the current interim superintendent, Terry Romo. Several board members voiced support for Romo's performance and institutional knowledge. One board member said, "I think Mrs. Romo has demonstrated all those leadership qualities and outcomes that we're looking for in a superintendent," while others cautioned about the district's tight finances and the value of having outside options.

District staff told the board the RFP has not been budgeted and that the district would need to identify a funding source if it chooses to proceed with an external search. Staff also reported enrollment declines, saying the district was "down already almost 300" students since June 30, a factor members cited as increasing urgency around leadership and budget decisions.

Because the RFP and the potential appointment were linked, the board also voted 5-0 to table formal action on appointing Terry Romo while pursuing additional vetting. The board directed staff to schedule an executive session that would include the full board, Terry Romo and legal counsel so members could ask specific questions about qualifications, contract terms and Romo's interest in a permanent appointment. Board members discussed preparing a list of questions in advance so Romo could come ready to answer them in that executive session.

Board members emphasized that tabling preserves options: if the board ultimately votes to appoint Romo, the RFP process could be halted; if Romo declines or the board decides not to appoint her, the district would be able to resume the RFP-based search.

Following the votes, the board asked staff to return with more information, including financial data showing whether funds have been programmed for an external search and potential budget impacts. The board did not take any final hiring action at the meeting.