Parents and employees asked to weigh in on superintendent search
Feb 10, 2022 11:17AM ● By Becky Ginos
School Board President John Robison (center) and Superintendent Reid Newey listen to a presentation during a recent board meeting. The board is working on a plan for filling Newey’s position when he retires at the end of the school year. Photo by Becky Ginos
FARMINGTON—The Board of Education is continuing to discuss the process of selecting a new superintendent to replace Superintendent Reid Newey who is retiring at the end of the school year. The board met in a special meeting on Monday.
“We need to get a consensus of what we’re going to be doing,” said Board President John Robison. “Should it be opened up as a national search or a district appointed position. Personally I think we should interview people in the state.”
“We have a really unique state and situation in the school district,” said Board member Brigit Gerrard. “I think we should limit it to in-state candidates who know our culture and know our state.”
However, Board member Liz Mumford pointed out that there may be qualified candidates who have moved out of the state but would like to come back. “It might not be the best use of resources to solicit candidates nationally but I wouldn’t want to automatically eliminate them,” she said. “It should be based on our criteria, not somebody’s address.”
“I think it’s a good thing to stay in state,” said Board member Cheryl Phipps. “We have a lot of good candidates in the state. It doesn’t make sense to go out on a national search.”
“Last time we advertised the position nationally,” Board member Gordon Eckersley said. “A lot were good applicants but others were doing it because they were on unemployment. I would like to let people in the state know the position is open.”
The board agreed to only place an ad in-state. “If someone else applies from out of state we can consider it,” said Robison.
As part of the effort to find a new superintendent, the Board held two Town Halls this week and will hold another one on Feb. 16 where the public can weigh in on what characteristics they want to see in a superintendent. The Feb. 16 meeting will be at Bountiful High, 695 S. Orchard Dr. from 7 – 8:30 p.m.
The Board also sent out a survey to parents and employees on Wednesday, Feb. 9. All surveys must be completed by the following Wednesday, Feb. 16.
The position will open Feb. 28 and close on March 25. “By law we’re the ones who hire the superintendent,” said Robison. “Our plan is to announce the new superintendent the last week of April.”
