Interim Superintendent Search Back On

The Greenfield School Board has shifted gears again in its search for a temporary replacement for former superintendent Conrad Farner.

Over the last few weeks, the board debated giving a current administrator additional pay to perform the duties of both Farner and departing Director of Business Kristin Kollath.

But on Wednesday, School Board President Bruce Bailey told Greenfield Patch the board is now focused on hiring an interim superintendent. Because the discussions to offer an administrator additional pay were held in closed session, Bailey would not comment on why that plan appears dead.

“This is very, very unusual,” Bailey said. “We lost our superintendent mid-year and our business manager mid-year. But we’re looking at interim superintendent candidates now.

“We’re going to interview some people that are available and pick one to get us through this period.”

Bailey said the board could interview candidates for the interim opening as early as next week. The board would like to select a permanent superintendent by the end of April, with that person starting July 1.

In the meantime, Director of Educational Services Todd Bugnacki, a 16-year district veteran, is in effect carrying out the duties left behind by Farner. Last month, Bugnacki declined the board’s offer to become the interim superintendent.

The public has been invited to participate in the search for a permanent replacement