The Eastport South Manor Board of Education announced an agreement with Mr. Steimel to serve as interim superintendent and approved the contract during its Oct. 29 consent agenda.

"The board is happy to announce that we've reached an agreement with Mr. Steimel to serve as our interim superintendent of schools," said Mr. Goldhammer during opening remarks. The board placed the contract on the night's consent agenda and later approved the consent agenda by voice vote.

Board members said the arrangement has three stated benefits: continuity of leadership while the district completes the final stages of a bond project; a projected six-figure cost savings over the next 18 months; and time for the board to conduct a thorough search for a permanent superintendent. "That contract is on tonight's agenda for board approval...This arrangement has multiple benefits for the district," Goldhammer said.

The board also thanked Dr. Christie, who said he served "as interim superintendent this week and your assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction." The board announced Dr. Christie's interim appointment will end Nov. 2 upon board approval of the resolution that was carried as part of the consent agenda.

What the board did: The board approved the consent agenda (business and operations items M1M14 and all personnel items) in a single voice vote; that consent agenda included the interim superintendent contract. The meeting did not record a roll-call tally; the voice vote was recorded as "all in favor."

Why this matters: The appointment is intended to keep district leadership stable through completion of a bond project and to maintain operational continuity while a permanent search proceeds. The board described an expected budgetary savings resulting from the arrangement; the contract was approved as part of the consent agenda vote.

Next steps: The interim appointment takes effect Nov. 3, per the board's announcement; the board expects to begin or continue a search for a permanent superintendent while Mr. Steimel serves in the interim role.