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Forest Hills board approves one-year extension for superintendent after split vote
Summary
The Forest Hills Board of Education voted to extend the superintendent’s contract one year, from Aug. 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, after a divided roll-call vote. The move follows debate about buyout terms, timing and whether the incoming board should decide.
The Forest Hills Board of Education on Tuesday approved a one-year extension to the superintendent’s contract, running Aug. 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027, after a divided roll-call vote.
Board member (mover) put forward the original extension as presented. During a formal roll call the board recorded votes as follows: Missus Dennis — Yes; Mister Bell — Yes; Doctor Simmons — No; Doctor Strickler — No; Mister Bibb — Yes. The motion carried by majority vote.
Why it mattered: board members debated three options in public — an amendment that would effectively carry the original contract forward, a one-year extension with a six-month buyout and altered notice dates, and a one-year replacement contract with a 60-day buyout option. Supporters and outside counsel argued a one-year extension gives the incoming board time to evaluate the superintendent without exposing the district to a large buyout; opponents said the decision should be left to the newly seated board in January.
During discussion, one board member summarized the central choice: whether to “give the new board the option” to replace the superintendent or to bind them to a longer continuation that may require a substantial buyout to change course. Another board member urged delaying the decision until the new board takes office, saying recent election results signaled the community’s desire for change.
Public commenters had raised similar concerns earlier in the meeting. A member of the public said placing a contract extension on the agenda at the eleventh hour “looks like” it deprives residents of meaningful comment on a consequential personnel decision.
Board member (speaker 8), who moved the motion, offered a public expression of gratitude for the superintendent’s service before the vote: “You've built a great team for this district, Larry, and I thank you for that.”
What’s next: the board’s organizational meeting is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2026, when newly elected members will be sworn in and will face future personnel and policy decisions. The contract extension takes effect Aug. 1, 2026, under the terms adopted by the board.
