ERIE'S PUBLIC SCHOOLS

January 27, 2024 

Dear Erie’s Public Schools families, and Community Members, 

I am thrilled to share an update on our superintendent search! Since October 2024, Erie’s Public Schools has partnered with Ray & Associates to conduct a nationwide search for our next superintendent - a dynamic leader who is ready to build on our successes and guide us into a transformative future. 

After a transparent, deeply thoughtful process that included multiple opportunities for public input, the district and the Erie School Board are excited to announce three exceptionally strong finalists: 

• Dr. Rainey Briggs, superintendent, School District of Baraboo, Baraboo, Wisc.

• Dr. Natalyn Gibbs, executive director of schools/associate superintendent, Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Nashville, Tenn.

• Ms. Teresa Szumigala, assistant superintendent, Erie’s Public Schools

You are invited to meet these candidates at separate public forums at the district's new administrative building, 1910 Sassafras Street. During these forums, I will ask the candidates questions previously submitted by the public. 

The public forum for Dr. Briggs will be held on Monday, Feb. 3, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.. The forum for Ms. Szumigala will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. And the forum for Dr. Gibbs will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.  

I welcome and encourage you to attend. These forums will also be livestreamed on the district’s YouTube channel. 

I can confidently say on behalf of the entire board that this process has produced three exceptional professionals with the proven ability to engage, listen and lead. You can view their full biographies on our website, along with detailed information about the search process and hiring timeline, at eriesd.org/supersearch.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at jbreneman@eriesd.org. 

In service,  

Dr. Jay Breneman 

President, Board of Directors 

Erie’s Public Schools 

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