William Penn SD names executive director of student services and interim principal; business manager search continues

Unidentified Speaker 1 announced staffing changes: Dr. Nikia Williams will begin as executive director of student services on Feb. 3, and Jennifer Cifune will serve as interim principal at East Lansdowne, also beginning Feb. 3, 2025, until a permanent principal is posted and hired.

‘‘Dr. Nikia Williams...will start in that position on, February 3,’’ Unidentified Speaker 1 said, noting five initial candidates were interviewed in December and two candidates met with the superintendent in January before Williams was selected.

Board members asked about posting requirements for the principalship. The presenter confirmed principal vacancies are posted and that the superintendent may reassign staff temporarily, but permanent placement requires a posted recruitment process. On the business manager role, the presenter said interviews had not produced a candidate advancing to a later round and the position remains open, with resumes being reviewed and recruitment continuing.

One board member asked to be included on the interview committee for the business manager search given their role as chair of the budget committee; the presenter said prior committees included two board members and that the district will advise if additional members are needed. No formal votes occurred on these personnel announcements.