Liberty Elementary board hears legal advice on interim appointment and ASA plan for superintendent search

The Liberty Elementary District Governing Board met Oct. 29, 2025, in a special session to receive legal advice on the interim-superintendent process and to hear a presentation from the Arizona School Administrators (ASA) on conducting a permanent superintendent search.

Legal counsel Susan Siegel advised the board that an internal search would carry risks and recommended using an outside search firm or retired superintendents rather than assigning existing district staff. "I really suggest you not do it internally," Siegel said, citing staff bandwidth and the potential for thorny personnel issues. She said the board has the legal authority to hire but that best practice is to advertise openings and to avoid pre-selection activity by the board president or staff.

Siegel told the board it may appoint a candidate who comes forward without a public posting if the board considers qualifications and avoids discriminatory practices,…