Timpanogos board unanimously appoints Dr. Joe Jensen as inaugural superintendent after closed hiring process; public urged fewer closed meetings

The Timpanogos School District board unanimously appointed Dr. Joseph J. M. Jensen as its inaugural superintendent on Jan. 28 after a multi-stage hiring process that screened 22 applicants and included closed‑session interviews for personnel reasons.

Board member(s) reported that a hiring committee of community members and educators scored applicants and narrowed candidates before the board conducted two days of closed interviews. The board then nominated and, after a motion and second, approved the appointment by roll-call vote; the board swore in Dr. Jensen at the meeting.

Dr. Jensen thanked the board and said he looked forward to working with staff and the community. "Leadership requires that so many people are involved and engaged in doing what we need done in this district," he said after taking the oath.

Public comment and transparency concern: Earlier during public comment, Pleasant Grove resident John Gad urged the board to "scale back" closed meetings and alleged the board held an improperly noticed closed breakfast meeting on Jan. 5 with local elected officials. Gad cited the Open and Public Meetings Act and asked why topics were discussed behind closed doors. The board described personnel matters as legally exempt from public sessions and outlined the committee and interview process used in the superintendent search.

Why it matters: The appointment is the board's most consequential personnel decision to date and sets leadership for the newly formed district. The public comment raised transparency concerns the board may need to address as it proceeds with staffing and capital decisions.

Ending: The board invited Dr. Jensen to begin work and announced a district celebration event on Feb. 12 to introduce the new superintendent and highlight district schools.