Superintendent agrees to permanent position

MAT-SU -- The Mat-Su Borough School Board voted last week to drop the "interim" status from district Superintendent Bob Doyle's position.

At its Wednesday meeting, the board agreed to make Doyle's role permanent by entering into negotiations for a contract ending June 30, 2004. Doyle has served as interim superintendent since July 2003.

"The board recognized the need to solidify our relationship with Mr. Doyle," board president Mike Chmiewlewski said. "Our vote is an indication of our support."

The board's decision was 5-1, with board member Bob Johnson voting in opposition. According to information from the district, two board members plan to meet with Doyle in the coming weeks to work on contract details.

Doyle said he was happy with the decision, which he saw as an affirmation of the direction he has taken the district over the past six months.

"I think we've been doing a lot of good things this year, such as the curriculum audit," Doyle said. He added that he doesn't plan to change the direction he has taken as a result of the decision. "I'm still going to do what I think is best for the kids. I'm not running for reelection, and if the board feels comfortable with the direction we're heading, that will continue."

Doyle has been employed at the district since 1982. Over the past 20 years, he has held a number of administrative positions in the district, including community services director, human resources director, finance director and operations and maintenance director. Prior to being named as interim chief school administrator, Doyle served as the assistant superintendant of operations and maintenance/finance.