The Liberty Elementary School District governing board has approved a contract for Trevor McDonald to serve as interim superintendent, filling a vacancy that has remained since April.
McDonald most recently served as chief business officer for Vista del Mar School District in Gaviota, California. He previously led Lompoc Unified School District as superintendent from 2013 to 2022. In 2020, he was named Superintendent of the Year by the California Continuation Education Association.
“I want to say thank you to the board members for showing faith in me,” McDonald said. “I'm gonna return that twofold, or tenfold, or whatever we can.”
His contract begins in July 2025 and runs through June 30, 2026, or until a permanent superintendent is appointed. The annual salary is set at $178,000, to be prorated if a permanent hire is made earlier.
McDonald said Liberty felt like a good fit from the start.
“Like I said in the interview, this feels comfortable to me,” he said.
The interim position opened after the board placed former superintendent Cort Monroe on permanent leave in April following months of community complaints about district leadership, citing legal conduct, fiscal concerns and accountability issues.
Board members described a strong applicant pool and expressed optimism about McDonald’s leadership.
“I was very pleased that we had over a dozen … candidates interested in this district,” said Kris Kenyon, board vice president. “That really highlights this district, Liberty, and this area. We're very excited for what's going on in our district and all the positive things that are happening.”
“We did have over a dozen candidates put their names forward,” said Michael Todd, board president. “I think the questions were challenging and very appropriate to our district. I thank all the board members for staying engaged, and of course, Mr. McDonald, you're our selection, and we're excited to have you... you bring forth a lot of energy.”
McDonald thanked the board and emphasized teamwork and student-centered decision-making.
“First of all, I want to say thank you to the board members for showing faith in me,” McDonald said. “This feels very comfortable to me. So I’m looking forward to doing the work.”
He likened district operations to a football team, where each person’s role contributes to collective success.
“If one person doesn’t do their job, that could be a touchdown for the other side,” he said. “(It’s the) same thing in a district. We all need to do our jobs and hold each other accountable in a positive way.”
McDonald said he plans to be visible in the community and collaborative in his leadership approach.
“When kids are winning, we’re all winning,” he said. “And when kids are struggling, we’re all struggling. I’m excited to work with all of you and continue the great work already happening in Liberty.”
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