WCSD Superintendent Enfield resigns
RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - (UPDATE) She’s been on the job less than two years, and according to most, showed great promise at her post and through her leadership skills.
But now what seems out of the blue Washoe County School District Superintendent Susan Enfield says her family must come first.
“I’m not going to speak about my personal life. That’s mine,” says Enfield.
Enfield provided no specifics about her decision, except to say she does not have another immediate job to go to in Washington.
And this decision was not made in haste.
“It came,” she says. “I had a moment of clarity last week. Let’s put it that way.”
In her less than two years at the job, the district points to several of Enfield’s accomplishments. They include new curricular materials and high-quality instructional resources to improve academic outcomes. Implementing salary increases and improved working conditions. And increased access to mental health services.
Increased student proficiency in English and math has yet to be realized however.
“Dr. Enfield is visionary,” says Beth Smith, President of the Washoe County School Board. “She cuts through decisions and practices and understands inherently where we need to grow to.”
While the accolades keep coming, the fact is Washoe County School District just can’t keep a superintendent.
The wall in the lobby has pictures of those before Enfield, some who left in scandal, others who took positions in bigger and better paying districts or just simply retired. And according to Smith, that is not unusual.
“If you do look nationally superintendents aren’t not staying in their superintendent roles in each district longer than two to three years,” says Smith.
Smith says if they knew why perhaps they’d solve the problem locally. But the challenge is truly unique to each community she says.
Asked what advice she would give her successor Enfield said this: “I think people need to understand this is not a job. You are coming into it for the work of serving children.”
Enfield’s last day is February 9, 2024.
Smith says the board will not start talking about her replacement until January 2024. The cost, and if a private firm will be hired to help locate the next superintendent, has yet to be determined.
((ORIGINAL STORY))
Washoe County School District Superintendent Susan Enfield announced Monday that she will resign.
In a statement, Enfield said she is making the decision to return to Washington to spend more time with her family and pursue other opportunities.
“With a mix of emotions, we accept the resignation of our valued superintendent and support her in choosing family first,” said Board President Beth Smith. “We are grateful to Dr. Enfield for the leadership and bold vision she brought to our district. We have already discussed our collaborative commitment to a smooth transition.”
“I will always be grateful to have been part of this district and community,” said Superintendent Enfield. “I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, including:
- The adoption of a bold, three-year strategic plan that puts the academic success and social-emotional well-being of our students first;
- Historic and long overdue increases to staff compensation to signal support for those who show up each day to support our students;
- Improved working conditions, including day one benefits, that significantly reduced our staff vacancy rates.”
Enfield’s last day will be Feb. 9, 2024. The WCSD Board of Trustees will now convene to discuss the district’s next steps at a future meeting.
Their options could include selecting and hiring a firm for a national superintendent search and appointing an interim superintendent if needed.
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