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Monroe‑Gregg board advances internal candidate toward superintendent post amid community objections
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Summary
The Monroe‑Gregg board approved a personnel report that moves Andrew Grismore onto the pathway to superintendent (associate appointment, intent to name July 1 pending contract and emergency license), after public commenters and some board members criticized the suspension of the wider search and urged more transparency.
The Monroe‑Gregg School District board approved a personnel report that will allow Andrew Grismore to apply for an emergency license and serve as associate superintendent immediately, with the stated intention to name him superintendent on July 1 pending contract negotiations.
The vote to approve the personnel report passed after discussion, with the board recorded as voting in favor by a 4‑1 margin and one abstention. The action does not by itself finalize a permanent hire; board members said it begins contract negotiations and the licensure process.
Why it matters: The decision comes as the district faces budget pressure and possible near‑term operational choices that board members said require leadership in place now. Several members of the public and a teachers’ representative urged the board to continue an open search rather than suspend it mid‑application period.
During public comment, Sarah Raxdale said the district had “lowered the requirements for our district's next superintendent” and asked the board to pause the appointment so qualified candidates could be interviewed. “Hiring someone with no prior experience for one of the most critical leadership roles in our district … sounds ridiculous,” Raxdale said, urging the board to table the vote and reinstate a broader search.
Casey Honkamp, who identified themself as an 18‑year teacher and the MGTA president, told the board that interviewing a pool of candidates lets members compare qualifications and build staff confidence: “Experience in other districts … would bring new insights and ideas as well as networking connections that could assist us further.”
Board discussion and rationale: At the meeting chair (identified in the transcript as the presiding member) said they supported the candidate because he is local and “invested into this community,” arguing that immediate leadership is needed as the district considers budget cuts and possibly a referendum. The chair also said, “I’m going with what my gut is telling me,” when explaining their vote.
A board member cited Policy 12‑20, the district’s employment policy for superintendents, and said the policy requires the board to seek the best qualified candidate; that member said the board had not followed the full recruitment steps described in the policy and expressed concern about suspending a search while applications were pending.
What the personnel report does: According to the personnel report discussed at the meeting, the board would name the candidate associate superintendent effective immediately at his current compensation and then intend to name him superintendent on July 1, pending contract negotiations and licensure. The board also directed staff to pursue an emergency license application to allow the candidate to serve in the role while full certification is sought.
What’s next: The personnel action moves the licensure and contract work forward; the transcript shows the board intended to complete contract negotiations and ensure the licensing step is handled properly before any final permanent appointment.
The meeting record shows continuing community concern about process and transparency; several speakers asked the board to reconsider or to reinstate a competitive search.
