The Poland Local Schools Board of Education has initiated a search for an interim superintendent following the announcement that Superintendent Craig Hockenberry will take a medical leave of absence. The decision came during a special meeting on Saturday, where the board also approved Hockenberry's future retirement after he shared a recent diagnosis of esophageal cancer with the community.
Hockenberry's medical leave is scheduled to begin on December 1. Assistant Superintendent Maria Hoffmaster will step in as acting deputy superintendent to ensure a seamless transition until an interim leader is appointed.
Key Takeaways
- Superintendent Craig Hockenberry will begin medical leave on Dec. 1 due to an esophageal cancer diagnosis.
- The Poland Board of Education has officially started the search for an interim superintendent.
- Hockenberry's official retirement is set for August 31, 2026.
- Assistant Superintendent Maria Hoffmaster will serve as acting deputy superintendent in the immediate term.
- The board aims to have an interim superintendent in place by the beginning of the new year.
A Sudden Change in Leadership
The Poland school district is navigating an unexpected leadership transition following Superintendent Craig Hockenberry's health announcement. In a letter to the community, Hockenberry confirmed his diagnosis and his decision to step back from his duties to focus on his health.
His medical leave will commence on December 1, with a planned retirement date effective August 31, 2026. This timeline allows the district to prepare for a permanent replacement while Hockenberry addresses his medical needs.
"It has been the greatest honor of my career to serve this District," Hockenberry stated in his letter. "I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished together, and I remain confident in the strength and resilience of this community."
The announcement prompted a special Saturday meeting of the school board, where members formally approved the terms of his medical leave and retirement plan. The focus quickly shifted to finding a successor to maintain stability within the district.
The Board's Swift Action
The Board of Education acted decisively to begin the process of filling the leadership void. During the meeting, the board authorized its president, Gregg Riddle, to immediately begin the search for a qualified interim superintendent.
Riddle stated that he was instructed to contact the Educational Service Center and post the job opening as early as Monday morning. The board's goal is to move quickly to ensure leadership is in place for the start of 2025.
Timeline for Interim Search:
- December 1: Hockenberry's medical leave begins.
- Early December: Board to review applications for interim position.
- Before Christmas: Board expects to conduct interviews.
- January 2025: Target for new interim superintendent to start.
"We're confident that before Christmas, we can be in the position that we'll have enough applicants that we can talk with people," Riddle explained. He expressed hope that a new interim leader could be appointed "the first of the year."
Ensuring a Smooth Transition
To bridge the gap until an interim is hired, the board has appointed a trusted internal leader. Maria Hoffmaster, the district's current assistant superintendent and director of curriculum, will serve as acting deputy superintendent starting December 1.
The Importance of the Curriculum Director
Board member Michelle Elia voiced strong support for Hoffmaster, calling her "perfect" for the temporary role. However, Elia also stressed the urgency of filling the interim position so Hoffmaster could return her full attention to her primary responsibilities.
"That is the business of school, right? It's curriculum and instruction," Elia remarked. "So in my mind, her role is probably the most important, and I don't want to disrupt that, because it's working, and it's working incredibly well."
This sentiment underscores the board's commitment to minimizing disruption to the district's core educational mission during the leadership change.
Planning for the Future
Once an interim superintendent is in place, the board will turn its attention to the search for a permanent replacement. Riddle outlined a clear, long-term strategy that involves forming a dedicated search committee.
The process will be open to all qualified candidates. "Anybody that wants to apply can apply," Riddle said. He noted that potential applicants could include the person hired for the interim role or even Dr. Hoffmaster, should she choose to pursue the position.
The Role of an Interim Superintendent
An interim superintendent is a temporary leader appointed to manage a school district during a transition period. Their primary responsibility is to maintain operational stability, oversee daily functions, and ensure educational programs continue without interruption while the board conducts a thorough search for a permanent successor.
During the board meeting, a specific detail of Hockenberry's agreement was discussed. His medical leave is set to run through July 31, 2026, while his retirement is effective August 31, 2026. Riddle questioned the one-month gap but noted the board moved forward with the resolution as written, based on the advice of legal counsel.
"We have legal counsel advising us, we believe we're doing the right thing by everybody concerned, and that's what we're going to pursue," Riddle affirmed, signaling the board's confidence in its structured approach to navigating this challenging period for the district.