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Lockwood board authorizes leadership to work with assistant superintendent on transition plan
Summary
The Lockwood K-12 School Board authorized board leadership and legal counsel to work with Assistant Superintendent Kelly Kinsey on a transition plan addressing contract terms, compensation and duties to maintain district operations while a permanent search proceeds.
The Lockwood K-12 School Board voted to authorize board leadership, with legal counsel, to work with Assistant Superintendent Kelly Kinsey on a transition plan to cover contract terms, compensation and duties needed to keep district operations running amid the superintendent vacancy.
The move came after extended public comment urging either an immediate interim appointment or an open, external search. Charity (board member) moved the authorization and Dave Robinson seconded; the motion passed by voice vote. Board leaders said they will return with a recommendation, with a target timeline of the end of June and the possibility of a special meeting.
Why it matters: trustees said the authorization is intended to prevent leadership gaps while the board conducts a permanent superintendent search. Supporters who commented in writing and in person emphasized stability for staff, students and budgeting during the transition. Opponents in public comments urged a full, external search rather than defaulting to internal promotion.
Board discussion made clear this authorization does not finalize any contract or appoint Kinsey as interim superintendent; it authorizes further conversations with Kinsey and legal counsel and requires a later formal recommendation to the full board. The chair said the process will return to the board for approval once options are developed.
Several public commenters urged immediate action. Stacy L. (submitted comment) wrote that delay “creates uncertainty for employees, family, students, and the administrative team” and recommended appointing an interim immediately; Stacy also said Kelly Kinsey is a qualified internal candidate. Kelly Buchard urged the board not to promote from within, warning that internal promotions could reinforce existing problems and erode public trust.
Mr. Chrisman, speaking during the meeting, responded to public concern by saying the district previously conducted a full search through NTSBA and clarified that a prior search had been run.
Next steps: board leadership will continue discussions with legal counsel and Kelly Kinsey, then return to the full board with a recommendation expected by the end of June or at a special meeting if needed.
