This is a breaking news story and more information will be published as it becomes available.
Hart district Deputy Superintendent Vicki Engbrecht is expected to replace outgoing Superintendent Rob Challinor starting in November, according to information obtained by KHTS AM-1220.
Don’t miss a thing. Get breaking Santa Clarita news alerts delivered right to your inbox.
An email sent to staff announced the move this morning, after two Hart district officials denied any report of a change ahead of Challinor’s planned departure in February.
Related: Hart District Officials Deny Report Challinor Was Asked To Leave Early
“Vicki has been with the Hart district for the past 38 years as teacher, high school principal, director of curriculum, and deputy superintendent,” according to an email from Challinor circulated to staff Friday morning. “In addition to helping to set the direction of the District, since 2001 Vicki has gained valuable experience working with the board, superintendent and site administrators on the day-to-day operational issues, gaining unique insight to the challenges of running a large school district.”
KHTS AM-1220 contacted two Hart district officials Thursday night who denied any changes to Challinor’s departure plans. Challinor is not leaving the district before Feb. 1.
A statement released by the Hart district on Friday stated: “Challinor will assist over the next few months with the transition, as well as work on designated projects for the district until his retirement on Feb. 1, 2015.”
The William S. Hart Union High School District oversees more than 22,000 public junior high and high school students in the Santa Clarita Valley.
“Engbrecht will serve as superintendent-elect until my official retirement date of Feb. 1,” according to the email from Challinor to staff.
District officials with information close to the situation cited tension between the board and the superintendent as a factor, as well as the district’s “climate.”
The Hart district governing board was not intending to renew Challinor’s contract before he announced his retirement, according to several sources who asked to remain anonymous.
“Challinor’s legacy includes increasing student achievement while successfully guiding the district through some of the most perilous economic times, providing state-of-the art facilities for our students and staff, and building a strong district management team,” said board President Steve Sturgeon, who denied any plans to change the district’s top staff position Thursday night, hours before Friday’s announcement.
Challinor is the third superintendent to announce his resignation this year.
Related: Newhall School Superintendent Marc Winger Announces Retirement Plans
Newhall School District Superintendent Marc Winger announced his retirement earlier this month after 41 years in education, and 17 at the helm of Newhall.
Sulphur Springs School District officials are in the process of determining who will take the seat of Superintendent Bob Nolet, who’s been the leader of the SSSD for 32 years.
Related: Sulphur Springs Superintendent Announces December Retirement Plans
Do you have a news tip? Call us at (661) 298-1220, or drop us a line at community@hometownstation.com.
[node:title]
Article: [node:title]
Source: Santa Clarita News
Author: [node:author]