Othello looks for new district superintendent

OTHELLO — Who the Othello School District superintendent will be in the 2021-22 school year is uncertain, as current district superintendent Chris Hurst announced he accepted another job, but has not resigned from his Othello position.

Othello School Board Chair Mike Garza said Friday Hurst, hired for his role in 2016, is still in negotiations with the new district.

School board members issued a statement asking for patience, which was read at the March 22 board meeting and published on the board’s social media outlets.

“Having said that, we the board have started with the process of resolving this matter. As I (Garza) mentioned previously, we are bound by some time constraints to formally make an announcement. Nevertheless, a plan of action has been discussed and will be delivered in a timely manner. We are aware of the task at hand and will work diligently to make sure we choose the correct candidate going forward.”

“We are working on the process, as we should,” Garza said Friday.

However, Garza said board members haven’t decided on a procedure to replace Hurst, if he resigns. Board members could conduct a search and hire a permanent replacement this spring or opt for an interim superintendent while a longer search is conducted.