Wenatchee School Board Decides Path Forward in Finding Superintendent Replacements

The Wenatchee School Board has a plan in place for its short-term and long-term superintendent needs after two unanimous votes Tuesday night.

Wenatchee School District will pay the North Central Educational Services District (NCESD) for an interim superintendent from among its employees. At the same time, the district will soon start looking for a consulting firm to help with bringing on a full-contract superintendent by July of 2023.

Board member Laura Jaecks said she wants the board to be able to put their time and effort into a full search process.

"I feel like the board failed last time we went through that full search process in taking into account the community and the staff input." Jaecks said, "I will be fighting for us to do it differently."

Several teachers and members of the community spoke during the public comment period, with every commenter asking that the board slow down its search for an interim. Many were frustrated that the board would not be hiring the interim from within the district.

Current superintendent Paul Gordon announced earlier in the month he would be moving back to the Midwest and has already accepted a position in the Chicago area, a move that left the board with very little time to find his replacement for next school year.

Board President Martin Barron said the board could have an interim superintendent in place within the next 7-10 days.