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Jamestown Public Schools superintendent to depart; board plans special meeting to name interim
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Lehi confirmed his resignation and the board scheduled a special meeting to decide interim leadership. Members discussed appointing an internal interim (Adam Gaylor named as a strong candidate), whether to open a search now, and steps to backfill affected roles.
Jamestown Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lehi told the board May 18 that he will step down after 13 years leading the district, and the board moved to hold a special meeting this week to make near-term transition plans.
The board discussed three options: appoint an interim immediately; appoint an interim and open a superintendent search; or open the position without appointing an interim. Several members said they preferred appointing an interim and then deciding whether to open a search. Board member Owen McKenna urged caution about running a public search during a time when many candidates are already under contract, saying it would be ‘‘a heavy lift’’ and that timing could reduce applicant availability.
Multiple board members signaled support for an internal candidate. Aaron Roberts said the district has ‘‘a very qualified candidate who could step in today’’ and recommended assigning that person to an interim role so the board could evaluate performance over time. Superintendent Lehi endorsed that internal option in his remarks: "Adam Gaylor will do a wonderful job for this community, in an interim basis or whatever basis you place him in," he said, adding his appreciation for the board and staff.
Board members also discussed how backfilling the interim's current duties would affect downstream positions and workload. Jacob Curtis and others asked for a plan to address what changes would be needed to avoid staff burnout if an internal leader takes on expanded duties. The board directed staff to prepare options for a special meeting that will include scenarios for appointing an interim, potential salary implications and how to handle backfill for any vacated administrative roles.
The board scheduled a special meeting this week to finalize leadership plans and asked staff to present options and timeline scenarios. Dr. Lehi said he would remain available through the transition and thanked the board and community for the opportunity to serve.
Next steps: the board will meet in a special session to choose whether to appoint an interim now and whether to open a formal search; staff will provide written transition scenarios and proposals for backfilling affected roles.
