Search committee recommends finalist Jeff Tiji be advanced to negotiations

The Leroy-Ostrander Public Schools search committee recommended that the board advance candidate Jeff Tiji to the negotiation committee as the district moves to the next step in hiring a superintendent.

The committee reported it originally reviewed four candidates, narrowed that list to two finalists, and learned one finalist withdrew to pursue another opportunity. The committee said it was impressed with Tiji’s focus on community engagement and student-centered leadership, and noted his roughly 16 years in administration in the region.

A committee member described Tiji as “very focused on students” and said the finalist emphasized community engagement during interviews. The committee described a three-phase interview process that included a school tour, staff question-and-answer sessions and community input. Three community members participated in the interview phase and provided feedback to the committee.

Board members asked procedural questions about the next step. The committee recommended referring Tiji to the negotiation committee so the district can begin contract discussions and finalize terms; no final hire occurred at the meeting. The committee noted two later applicants: one out of state who would need state credentials and another whose credential timeline was unresolved.

Next steps: the candidate will move to negotiations; any subsequent contract or appointment would return to the board for formal action.