Lockwood board appoints Steve Mayhew as interim superintendent, subject to background checks and contract negotiation

The Lockwood School District board voted to appoint Steve Mayhew as interim superintendent, contingent on successful completion of required background checks and negotiation of a mutually acceptable employment contract.

Board members moved to authorize the board chair to execute a finalized contract on the board’s behalf after negotiations on salary and an effective start date. Trustees discussed candidate qualifications, noting communication and leadership as priorities and weighing local residency and immediate availability when comparing finalists.

Why it matters: The appointment fills a leadership gap as the district transitions into a new school year while the business-manager/clerk position remains unsettled. Trustees stressed the need for a superintendent who can quickly build relationships with staff, improve internal and external communications and support the district’s immediate operational needs.

During discussion, trustees raised a previously identified salary range for the full-time position of “130 to a 155” (the transcript did not specify units). Board members asked that the chair negotiate within the parameters discussed and return the final contract for the board’s authorization. Trustees also debated target start dates, with several urging a July start if feasible but allowing flexibility if a candidate required a later date.

Andrea Myers, the district curriculum director, told the board that background checks can take “up to two weeks easily” and urged the board to consider that timing when setting an expected on-campus start date. The board’s motion conditions Mayhew’s appointment on completion of such checks.

The motion passed and the board said administration and legal counsel will work with the chair to finalize terms and execute the agreement. Trustees thanked all candidates for participating in the interview process.