Solidly behind Staley

Two months after deciding to keep her around for another year on an interim basis, the Chico Unified School District has offered Kelly Staley the superintendent job for keeps.

Staley got promoted from assistant superintendent to interim superintendent following the departure of Chet Francisco last summer. Now, “the plan is she is our permanent superintendent,” school board President Jann Reed told the CN&R, and CUSD will negotiate a contract “reflective of that.”

Among the selling points Reed cited are Staley’s communication skills, handling of the budget crisis, attitude and community involvement. “The unanimous consent of the board is this is the person who has the skill set we need,” Reed said. “We believe she has the capability to lead us. We’re welcoming her to the governance team.”