The Liberty Elementary School District has launched a community survey seeking public input on the qualities, priorities and challenges that should guide the selection of its next permanent superintendent after years of turnover.
The anonymous survey, distributed to families, staff and other stakeholders, asks respondents to describe strengths of the district, identify major challenges facing schools and weigh in on what experience and characteristics they believe the next superintendent should bring to the role. Responses will be compiled into a report for the district’s governing board and discussed at a future public meeting.
Among the questions are prompts about academic excellence, communication, fiscal management, transparency and the district’s relationships with families, staff, local organizations and the broader community. Participants are also asked to rate the importance of specific qualifications, including prior superintendent experience, familiarity with Arizona public schools, financial and operational expertise, multilingual skills and understanding the district’s culture.
The survey is being conducted by McPherson & Jacobson LLC, a national superintendent search firm hired by the governing board to manage the recruitment process for the 2026–27 school year. The firm’s five-phase approach includes gathering stakeholder input, recruiting candidates nationwide, conducting background and reference checks, coordinating interviews and helping establish performance goals once a superintendent is selected.
District officials say the feedback will help shape the candidate profile and ensure community priorities are reflected in the board’s eventual decision.
The outreach comes amid ongoing uncertainty in district leadership. The governing board is also weighing whether to appoint an acting or interim superintendent following the dismissal of Interim Superintendent Trevor McDonald. Board President Sarah Schmidt said the district currently does not have a formally designated leader overseeing day-to-day operations.
“When the former superintendent was removed, we immediately named an interim superintendent,” Schmidt said during a recent meeting. “That process was not done this time, and the district needs someone identified in that role.”
Schmidt said at least one internal candidate has expressed interest and holds the necessary certification. Board member Kelly Zimmerman said she contacted McDonald, who indicated he would be willing to return in an interim capacity.
Other board members urged caution. Michael Todd and Kris Kenyon said the board should move deliberately, balancing the need for a clear point of contact with the importance of avoiding rushed decisions.
The board’s decision to hire an external search firm followed legal advice from district attorney Susan Siegel, who cautioned against a board-run search process. Siegel warned that managing the search internally could create conflicts of interest and expose the district to legal risk.
“You are not equipped to do that with respect to personnel, and it can get thorny,” Siegel told the board, adding that even the perception of a pre-determined outcome could damage public trust.
Community members can complete the superintendent feedback survey at the district’s website, liberty25.org.
James Goldmeer Reporter | Goodyear & Litchfield Park
Meet James James Goldmeer joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2024, starting their career as a reporter in Goodyear and Litchfield Park.
Community: James grew up in the West Valley, calling Avondale home and going to school in Glendale and Peoria. Returning to the community after university, James plans to get involved in everything arts and culture, and civil rights.
Education: Northern Arizona University a bachelor's degree in Journalism, a certificate in Professional Communications, with a minor in English.
Random Fact: James spent half a year as an intern for the Arizona House of Representatives communication team, working with legislators to inform the public through press releases and social media.
Hobbies: James collects postcards and old books, reads memoirs and attends local jazz shows.
By 
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here