Engadine Consolidated Schools board hires Heather Luoto as superintendent

The Engadine Consolidated Schools Board of Education voted July 8 to hire Heather Luoto as the district’s superintendent after interviewing three finalists earlier in the meeting.

The special meeting, called to order by President Schroeder at 4:30 p.m. in High School Room 104, opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a roll call that showed five members present and two absent. Board member Nelson moved to hire Heather Luoto; the motion was supported by Board member Moore and carried with ayes from Koerner, Moore, Nelson and Schroeder and a lone nay from Solar. Two members, Chapman and Hopper, were recorded absent.

The board had earlier approved the three candidates for superintendent interviews in a separate motion by Nelson, supported by Koerner. The candidates listed on the agenda were Heather Luoto, Dr. Christopher Carlson and Anthony Pascoe.

Members of the public spoke after the interviews. Commenters praised the candidates and expressed particular support for Mrs. Luoto, asked whether background checks had been completed for candidates, questioned how long the other finalists might stay if hired and requested improvements to the school sound system. Several speakers also said they were disappointed not all board members were present for the interviews.

Meeting minutes note five staff and eleven others were present. The board approved the agenda earlier in the session; the meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.

The minutes do not specify an effective start date for Luoto’s employment or further onboarding steps; those details were not included in the record.