Board approves two administrative hires; HR appointment draws a dissent and an abstention

The Littleton Elementary District governing board approved two administrative appointments at its July meeting, though the HR appointment drew a no vote and an abstention from two board members.

Ms. Musil recommended Cara Sayer as director of human resources, saying Sayer brings more than 20 years of experience in West Valley public schools and leadership roles including assistant principal and director-level positions. "Cara is an experienced educational leader who has worked in public schools serving students in the West Valley for over 20 years," Ms. Musil said.

One board member said they were not comfortable approving the appointment without greater clarity about duplication at the top of the district administration and requested information about why two HR leadership positions exist. That board member abstained from the vote; the chair recorded a no vote. Member Nelson joined the meeting by phone immediately before the vote and cast a yes vote. The administration recorded the final tally as three yes votes, one abstention and one no; the motion passed.

The board also approved, unanimously, the appointment of Jasmine Hyatt Dominguez as director of state and federal programs. Ms. Musil said Dominguez has more than 15 years of experience and a track record managing formula and competitive grants to support district initiatives.

Board members asked administration to provide additional context in future meetings about organizational structure and the justification for new or restructured administrative posts.