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Ashley and Fulton boards authorize contract talks with Ryan Portenga for joint superintendent
Summary
After interviewing finalists April 29, 2026, the Ashley Board of Education approved a motion authorizing Fulton Board President Karla Childers and Ashley Board President Steve Hardman to enter contract negotiations with Ryan Portenga for a joint superintendent role; vote: Yea 5, Nay 1.
The Ashley Board of Education, meeting jointly with the Fulton Schools Board on April 29, 2026, voted to authorize Fulton Board President Karla Childers and Ashley Board President Steve Hardman to enter contract negotiations with candidate Ryan Portenga for a joint superintendent position. The motion was made by Anmarie Bradley Dodd and seconded by Shelly Oswald; the recorded vote was Yea 5, Nay 1 (Ashleigh Shaw).
Board members had interviewed multiple finalists earlier in the evening and spent the late meeting hours deliberating finalists and reference-check material. The two boards identified Portenga and Brent Cole as their top two candidates before moving to formal action. Presidents Childers and Hardman also noted the need to form transition committees to support a joint superintendent if a contract is reached.
The motion to begin contract negotiations does not constitute a final hiring decision; a negotiated contract and any final approvals remain outstanding. The special meeting adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
