New hires have outpaced superintendent resignations over the past week. While at least three leaders stepped down (and one learned their contract would not be renewed) two superintendents found new homes and half a dozen more are getting their first shots at leading a district.

The longest-tenured superintendent to step down was Seth Turner, who resigned “effective immediately” on Wednesday after leading Amagansett School District in New York for the last five years, The East Hampton Star reported. The district, which experienced a bomb threat earlier that same day, has been contending with security and employee morale issues, the newspaper added.

The shortest-tenured superintendent to depart is Keith Brooks, who is leaving Corrigan-Camden Independent School District in East Texas just six months after his selection was announced. Brooks had previously been the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in Sheldon ISD outside Houston.

“An agreement has been reached which allows Dr. Brooks the ability to pursue other interests and permits the board to pursue hiring another superintendent,” the district’s school board said in a statement. “The board and Dr. Brooks have entered into the agreement believing it is in their respective best interests.”

In Oklahoma, Superintendent David Brewer, a 33-year educator, is leaving Waukomis Public Schools just 15 months after he was hired, the Enid News & Eagle reported. Brewer served as a superintendent for 19 years, having also led Varnum Public Schools in the same state.

Finally, the board at Escambia County Schools in Alabama voted 4-3 not to extend Superintendent Michele M. McClung‘s contract when it expires at the end of the school year, the Atmore News reported. McClung, who was hired in 2021, has also been an administrator at Mobile County Public Schools.

Leaders who found new posts

Rene Gutierrez is headed for his third superintendency in Texas, this time being named the finalist for McAllen Independent School District’s top job. Gutierrez is currently the superintendent of Brownsville ISD and previously led Edinburg CISD, and helped both districts achieve “A” ratings in the state’s accountability system.

In Pennsylvania, David Hatfield will take the helm at the Williams Valley School District after having previously led the Halifax Area School District.

Raashad Fitzpatrick will serve as the next superintendent of the Lancaster County School District in South Carolina, having been chosen unanimously by the district’s school board on Oct. 17.

Fitzpatrick is currently the assistant to the superintendent and ombudsman at Greenville County Schools and was previously a high school and middle school principal.

First-time superintendents hired:

• Linda Adamson, Pacific Grove Unified School District (California)
• Mark Blanchard, Cumberland Valley School District (Pennsylvania)
• Kim Casey, Prosser School District (Washington)
• Justin Ufferman, North Union Local School District (Ohio)
• Kate Wall, Bronson Community Schools (Michigan)

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