Combs board hires Toby Haugen as next superintendent, approves transition services

The J O Combs Unified School District governing board voted to approve a superintendent employment agreement for Toby Haugen and a companion transition services agreement on Dec. 9, carrying both motions unanimously.

The pair of votes came after a public-motion process in which board members moved and seconded the agreements; the motions were recorded as carried 4 to 0. Following the votes, Haugen addressed the board and community, thanking trustees for their trust and saying he intends to spend his initial months "listening and meeting people and asking questions" to prepare for a July start.

Haugen said he recognizes the challenge of following the outgoing superintendent, and promised "you’re gonna get authentic me" as he settles into the district. He emphasized an early focus on relationship-building rather than immediate sweeping changes.

Board members did not provide additional terms in open session beyond approving the agreements as presented. The transcript shows formal motions to approve both the employment agreement and the transition services contract were seconded and approved unanimously.

The next procedural steps include the posted transition services arrangements already approved by the board; the district did not disclose additional contract specifics beyond what was in the agenda packet presented to trustees. The board later moved into executive session to discuss the superintendent’s performance evaluation and performance pay.

Speakers quoted or identified in this coverage are taken directly from the meeting transcript. "You're gonna get authentic me," Haugen said after his approval, signaling a public-relations approach that prioritizes transparency and listening.

The board approved other agenda items at the same meeting, including a demographic study contract and updates to pay schedules; those decisions were recorded separately.