Board debates how to fill vacant superintendent post; no appointment made
Summary
Board members discussed naming an interim/acting superintendent for the remainder of FY25–26. Some members urged a quick internal appointment (Dr. Avila was offered), others argued for an open, transparent application and interview process; the board took no appointment action and asked to reconvene to set a process and timeline.
Board members spent significant time discussing how to fill the vacant superintendent role for the rest of the 2025–26 school year. President Sarah Schmidt opened the discussion noting there is no current interim named following the recent departure of the prior superintendent.
Several board members said internal candidates have approached them; Dr. Avila told the board she would be willing and holds the required certifications. One board member suggested reappointing the recently departed superintendent (Mister McDonald), saying he had community support; other members strongly opposed that option, citing prior controversies and media attention outside the district.
Members disagreed about whether to appoint someone immediately (naming an acting superintendent) or to open a transparent application process with public input and interviews. Some argued that Dr. Mahorn (who had previously served in an acting capacity) has done the job without additional compensation and might continue; others said the public expects a process. The board requested staff to collect applicants and set a deadline and to bring the topic back for a fuller discussion at a special meeting soon so the district has a named leader.
No motion to appoint an interim or acting superintendent passed at this meeting; several members asked staff to prepare an options memo and to schedule follow-up meetings in January or February.
