The Langley Board of Education has selected acting superintendent Suzanne Hoffman to fill the vacant position of Superintendent of Schools and CEO.
The board made the announcement on Monday, explaining that Hoffman has impressed everybody since taking on the role of acting superintendent five months ago, when Cheryle Beaumont was fired by the board.
Fifteen quality candidates expressed an interest in the position. The competition closed on April 20.
This group was narrowed to a final list of five candidates who faced interviews with a panel made up of staff and community stakeholders, followed by interviews with the board.
The hiring process was overseen by secretary-treasurer David Green and assistant superintendent Jennifer Canas, with the assistance of Make a Future, which was contracted to facilitate the vetting of candidates and the conducting of interviews.
“The board of education has been very impressed with Hoffman’s performance in the role of acting superintendent these past months and is very excited to have her take on the role of superintendent,” said board chair Wendy Johnson.
The former superintendent made $198,000 per year, plus benefits.
“We knew we had a high quality candidate in Suzanne from the outset, but it was reassuring for the board to see her rise to the top of our candidate list during the interview process. The board has every confidence in her leadership and looks forward to seeing her positive influence on the district continue as we move forward together.”
Hoffman has 22 years of experience in the Langley School District. Following four years of teaching in Mission, Hoffman taught for three years in Langley before assuming the role of vice-principal for five years.
Hoffman spent seven years as a school principal before advancing to serve six years as a district principal in the portfolios of professional and instructional services. In January 2011, Hoffman was appointed to the role of assistant superintendent.
She has served as acting superintendent since January when Beaumont was let go. Beaumont was provided a severance package that totalled nearly $300,000.
The search process for a new superintendent cost upwards of $30,000.