Divided board hires Daniel Gilbertson as superintendent after restarted search

What happened

After a search that began in January and was restarted in April, the board voted 4-3 on June 9, 2026 to offer the superintendent job to Daniel Gilbertson, after a motion to hire Dr. Mark McGarry failed 3-4. Interim Superintendent Michelle Falcon had been a finalist in the first round, when the board split 3-1-3 and voted 4-3 to start over. Gilbertson's contract was approved June 24 by the four members present.

Why it matters to families

The superintendent runs the district's budget and its deficit elimination plan. The close votes show a divided board; the board later held a workshop on board and superintendent roles.

The evidence

June 9, 2026 minutes: motion to contract with Dr Mark McGarry, 'Ayes: Marciniak, McDonald, Smalley Nays: Bussard, McNett, Snider, Vandenboss Motion Failed'; motion to contract with Daniel Gilbertson, 4 ayes, 3 nays, 'Motion Passed.' April 27 minutes: straw vote '3 in favor of Falcon, 1 in favor of Feil, 3 in favor of restarting search.'

The source