Board authorizes superintendent search, asks staff to check whether prior applicants can be reused

The board voted to begin an employment search for a new superintendent and asked staff to investigate whether previously submitted applications can be reopened and used without requiring reapplication.

Speaker 1 moved the search motion and presented a proposed timeline that would allow posting the vacancy "as early as tomorrow" and, based on applicant availability, target a selection "in roughly May." The motion instructed staff to start accepting applications and to look into the legality of including candidates from the prior superintendent search in the new candidate pool without their needing to reapply. "We're looking at a date in roughly May for, a new superintendent to be selected," Speaker 1 said.

Board members voiced urgency. "I agree. I think time is of the essence," Speaker 3 said, urging the board to proceed quickly because of upcoming contract periods and agenda items. Speakers 4 and 6 also supported moving quickly and cited upcoming decisions that make a timely hire important.

There was no recorded opposition; Speaker 1 called for the vote and the motion passed by voice vote. The board did not specify the detailed timeline for candidate review, the position posting text, or the hiring committee membership during the meeting. The motion also directed staff to report back on the legality of reopening prior applications; no legal determination was made during the public session.

Next steps: staff will post the vacancy (the board discussed posting "as early as tomorrow"), begin accepting applications, and return to the board with any legal guidance on whether prior applicants can be included in the pool without reapplying. A selection timeframe cited by the board was "roughly May," dependent on finding qualified candidates and the timing of applications.