New leaders in the Scottsdale Unified School District will weigh in on the search for a new superintendent early next year.
The board considered appointing acting Superintendent John Kriekard the permanent leader at a meeting Dec. 20, but ultimately took no action.
“The superintendent search did not meet our expectations,” said board President Barbara Perleberg after the board met in executive session for several hours. “We are fortunate to have an Acting Superintendent in Dr. Kriekard, providing stability to this district.”
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The district tasked search firm McPherson & Jacobson with finding a new leader. The Arizona Republic reportedthe search could cost almost $37,000.
The search garnered 24 applicants and the board reviewed six of those at its December 20 meeting, according to statement from the district.
Kriekard previously worked in the Scottsdale Unified School District for 23 years as a assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent.
Incoming board members Patty Beckman and Jann-Michael Greenberg will participate in the decision of who to hire next year.
The board was scheduled to interview finalists near the end of January, but it’s unclear how the search will proceed.
The Scottsdale Progress reportedthe governing board “grappled” with the decision not to let two newly elected board members take part in the hiring process.
The district bought former Superintendent Denise Birdwell out of her contract in April following multiple controversies over the district’s financial and construction practices.
