Windsor board votes 8–1 to bypass national superintendent search, will vet internal candidate

The Windsor Board of Education voted 8–1 on Jan. 21 to forgo a national superintendent search and begin vetting an internal candidate to assume the superintendent role on July 1, 2026. The board adopted a subsidiary amendment requiring the vetting process be completed by the March 2026 regular meeting.

Board member Jeremy Halek said a written policy requires a search, while several other members argued an internal vetting would save time and money when an internal candidate meets expectations. The motion to bypass a national search was made by Paul Panos and seconded by Leonard Lockhart; the subsidiary amendment adding the March deadline passed on roll call and, once passed, became the main motion. The final roll‑call vote was 8 in favor, 1 opposed (Halek).

Board members who voted in favor said the internal vetting would allow the district to move quickly to place a superintendent by July 1 and avoid the expense of a national recruitment. Mr. Halek expressed concern that bypassing a national search risks not following the district’s established policy; he cast the sole opposing vote.

The board did not name the internal candidate during the meeting, and no formal appointment was made. The motion directs the board to begin a vetting process; next steps include scheduling interviews and reporting progress at the March regular meeting, as required by the subsidiary motion that passed.