By Philip Haldiman, Independent Newsmedia

The Peoria Unified School District Governing Board appointed the Executive Director for Elementary Education  as the interim superintendent.

Linda Palles Thompson  replaces Superintendent Designee Steve Savoy following the departure of former Superintendent Darwin Stiffer.

Ms. Thompson will serve in this capacity until the board drafts a formal process to identify a permanent replacement.

A firm tasked to search for the position is tentatively scheduled to be considered by the governing board, Feb. 8.

Ms. Thompson said it is surreal for her to serve as  interim superintendent, and stood in full support of Mr. Savoy and the work he has done.

“I hope we can move forward and pull together as our job is now to bring in a top-notch superintendent for our children,” Ms. Thompson said. “I appreciate your support and promise I will do all I  can to make Peoria Unified No. 1 as we have always done. Let’s make this happen.”

Initially, Governing Board member David Sandoval nominated Mr. Savoy for the interim position, but the appointment was blocked by a 2-3, vote with governing board members Monica Ceja Martinez, Beverly Pingerelli and Judy Doane dissenting. Ms. Pingerelli then nominated Ms. Thompson for the seat, who was appointed 4-1. Mr. Sandoval dissented.

The position of interim superintendent also included a third candidate, but the name was not released.

The governing board praised Mr. Savoy’s service, but was split between wanting to keep a seamless transition by keeping Mr. Savoy and wanting a change.

Ms. Doane said all three applicants were worthy of the job.

“But I believe Linda Palles Thompson had some points that stood out to me that were exciting,” she said. “I want to thank Mr. Savoy and believe he would have done a fabulous job. I don’t want to downgrade him in any way.”

However, she added, the district needs some healing.

“It was (Ms. Thompson) who used those words and that really impressed me,” Ms. Doane said. “This district does have some problems and those problems need to be addressed and that is why I chose her.”

Governing Board member  Kathy Knecht said it was a  difficult decision because it impacts individual lives, the entire school district and the broader community.

“So this is a big deal. And for me, my fondness for all the candidates couldn’t be a factor. I am really looking at the well being of the district and moving forward,” Ms. Knect said. “My goals through this process were stability, someone who could assist us as board through what I’m sure will be an emotional process, someone who is knowledgeable and has experience with both school boards and staff. I was looking for an individual who would minimize any potential disruption or drama, so I  stood alone in that.”

Ms. Ceja Martinez said 90 percent of site administrators signed a declaration in support of Ms. Thompson.

“Going forward, looking at the internal candidates, I would agree about Mr. Savoy, my experience with you has been nothing but pleasant. That being said, I offer my support to Linda Palles Thompson,” Ms. Ceja Martinez said. “She has the experience. She has the superintendent certificate. She has shown her unwavering passion and commitment to this community, students and staff. She has helped pass bonds, which we may be doing in 2018. She has worked with multiple superintendents with strategic plans, which this governing board has said over and over that we need a strategic plan, and she can help carve that path moving forward. She has also received recommendations from previous Peoria Unified board members who have different points of view. And after all those things, she has the students first.”

Former Superintendent Stiffler was ousted because of personnel and leadership issues by a 3-2 vote of the governing board, Dec. 7.