The Hammond School Board tapped a Washington state educator as its interim superintendent with plans to take the “interim” label off in June.
The board hired Telisa Reed by a 5-0 vote on Monday.
Board president Carlotta Blake-King said during the meeting she hoped Reed would remain as superintendent when the interim period ends.
On Tuesday, she explained Brent Wilson, who’s served as interim superintendent since July, has opted to leave his position and Friday is his last day.
Blake-King said it would save the district money to keep Reed as interim superintendent until July.
Indiana law doesn’t require an interim superintendent to hold a state superintendent’s license, but Blake-King said Reed has completed the requirements for the license.
Reed was one of 18 applicants for the job and the list was whittled down to six finalists by a state university search team, headed by Terry McDaniel of Indiana State University.
In her contract, Reed will receive $800 a day and be paid bi-weekly. She’ll also get the use of a district vehicle.
Her term as interim superintendent runs from Feb. 10 to June 30 or until a successor’s contract has been approved.
“McDaniel described her as a ‘fixer’ and that caught everybody’s attention,” said Blake-King. “And when she presented herself, we saw she was.”
On Monday, Reed shared her background with the audience, saying she grew up on a dirt road in South Carolina and started her education career as a substitute teacher.
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Along the way, Reed said she’s worked as a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of instructional leadership, director of assessment and accountability and chief assessment officer.
She said she’s been watching school board meetings remotely and was versed in the needs of the community.
“I understand the issues. I understand where they came from. I ask for grace and support; this did not happen overnight,” said Reed.
During the past few years, the school board, teachers and some members of the community found themselves at odds with former superintendent Scott Miller.
In 2023, Hammond voters soundly rejected the district’s bid for an eight-year $116.8 million operating referendum and a $84.5 million construction referendum.
The defeat led to hundreds of job cuts and school closings as public meetings became more contentious. Miller resigned last year to become chief of staff for Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.
“Harm has been caused… I recognize trauma when I see it,” Reed said.
Former school board member Cindy Murphy said she thought the district was underpaying Reed, compared to other interim superintendents in the state.
“Welcome to our big dysfunctional family,” Murphy said. “We’re not always happy, but sometimes our students beat the odds. Our 10,000 students are depending on you and I wish you well. I hope you are here past June 30.”
Rina Horgan, representing the Hammond Teachers Federation, welcomed Reed and handed her a bouquet of flowers.
“Education is a team effort and together we’re committed to fostering a positive collaborative environment that puts our students first while ensuring teachers and staff have the support and resources needed to thrive,” she said.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.