Liberty Elementary board authorizes outreach to ASA, moves toward interim superintendent

The Liberty Elementary District Governing Board voted June 5 to authorize Board President Michael Todd to contact the Arizona School Administrators (ASA) to explore interim and permanent superintendent search services as the district seeks to fill a vacant superintendent post.

The action followed an extended discussion in which most board members favored hiring an interim superintendent quickly, while stressing the need for a careful vetting process and community input before a permanent hire. The board approved the motion to authorize outreach to ASA by a 5-0 vote.

Board President Michael Todd said the board needed to move promptly but not at the expense of a thorough selection process, noting that strong candidates “move fast” during hiring seasons. District counsel advised the board that some search groups charge more than the districts $10,000 informal-procurement threshold, while ASA, a nonprofit, typically charges less and can provide a la carte services.

Board Member Schmidt said she leaned “towards going with an acting superintendent for the time being” to allow the district to wait for the normal hiring cycle and a broader candidate pool. Board Member Zimmerman urged hiring an interim for an entire year and starting a permanent search in the fall or winter, proposing a target of July 1 for having an interim in place if feasible.

Vice President Kenyon said an interim hire was likely the most practical option given the current hiring cycle and limited availability of top candidates, and raised the possibility of the board conducting some of the candidate screening itself to reduce costs. Another board member emphasized that the board should not rush ‘‘in fear that were going to lose somebody’’ and said any accelerated timeline should still ensure adequate vetting and public involvement.

Counsel suggested inviting ASA representatives—citing Paul Tighe (ASA president) and placement staff such as Mark Jornstad—to explain available services and candidate pools. Counsel and several board members also mentioned other firms previously used by districts, including Ray and Associates and a McPherson-linked firm, but noted those firms can be more expensive.

Board members discussed logistics for vetting and community input: using a stakeholder committee to screen candidates, arranging interview days or receptions when finalists are available, and holding an ASA presentation as soon as the organizations schedule permits. The board discussed mid-June dates (the 17th or 18th) and noted an existing budget meeting scheduled for June 10 at 05:30 p.m.; the board asked staff to try to schedule ASA for a meeting within seven calendar days if possible.

Votes at a glance: The board approved the special meeting agenda (motion to approve consistent with board policy BEDB and to temporarily suspend policies inconsistent with the agenda), and later passed a motion authorizing President Todd to contact ASA regarding an interim and/or permanent superintendent search. Both motions passed 5-0.

The board also signaled plans for additional upcoming meetings: a special meeting on June 7 for policy Chapter 5 items and the June 10 budget meeting. The board president said he would contact ASA promptly and report back to the board on scheduling.