Superintendent Mathew Neal said the Moffat County School District will suspend its search for a new high school principal for the 2025-26 school year.

In a phone call to the Craig Press on Wednesday afternoon, Neal indicated that the high school’s current assistant principals will serve as co-principals on an interim basis.

According to a news release issued by the school district, the process included a nationwide search followed by a community engagement process for hiring.

Beginning with online surveys seeking community input, multiple stakeholder meetings with parents, staff, students and community members, and an interview process with three in-person finalists, the search ended without a permanent high school principal.

“This decision comes as a result of the finalists not meeting the high standards of MCSD, particularly after checking references and past work histories,” the release stated.

The district has announced the appointment of both current Moffat County High School assistant principals into roles as interim co-principals for the 2025-26 school year.

According to the superintendent, “The two assistant principals, Michelle Tucker and Erika Miller, have deep knowledge and familiarity with Moffat County High School, what’s been working there, systems that still need to improve, and the vision of this district, this community and this high school.”

“Although it wasn’t initially our plan to make this move, and while we will continue to search far and wide for the principal of the high school again next year, Michelle and Erika are both phenomenal leaders,” Neal added. “I’m very pleased to be able to watch their growth and the school’s growth in this next phase of their leadership.”

Tucker and Miller joined the high school when outgoing principal Ryan Frink took the position two years ago. Frink is relocating to be closer to family.

According to the news release, Neal stated, “Ultimately, choosing Michelle and Erika was a better decision than choosing a candidate that wasn’t the right long-term fit for the high school.”

The district received twelve applications for the position that had a posted salary range of $102,199-$143,079. Only six of the 12 applicants had prior administrative experience.

“The truth is we don’t get a massive number of applicants, and the urgency of making a decision would force the hand of some school districts,” Neal said. “But not here. We’re going to do everything we possibly can to ensure the right person for this place and this moment joins our team as the next high school principal. This action allows us time to be certain we’re hiring the right person. I’m excited to find that person over the course of the next year. In the meantime, Michelle and Erika will keep our kids on track and moving in the right direction.”