AVON \u2014 The seven-member board for Eagle County Schools looked inside to appoint its interim leader after parting ways with Dr. Carlos Ramirez on Jan. 23.<\/p>\n
In a special meeting Friday morning at Avon Elementary School, the school board appointed Phil Qualman as the interim superintendent.<\/p>\n
Most recently Qualman spent four years as one of the school district’s three assistant superintendents. Before that he was Battle Mountain High School principal for six years.<\/p>\n
School board members had high praise for Qualman’s calm demeanor and leadership skills.<\/p>\n
“I’m humbled by your comments and I’m honored to take on this responsibility,” Qualman said after the board unanimously approved his appointment.<\/p>\n
He said he has his immense respect for the district and its plans for education in Eagle County.<\/p>\n
“My immediate goal is to instill a sense of stability,” Qualman said after the board voted.<\/p>\n
The school district has seen some tumultuous times in the last two years.<\/p>\n
Dr. Jason Glass left Eagle County Schools in March 2017 to run Jefferson County Schools. Dr. Maggie Lopez served as the interim as the school board searched for Glass’ successor.<\/p>\n
Dr. Carlos Ramirez was hired in March, started the job in June and was gone by the end of January.<\/p>\n
“These are extraordinary times,” said Kate Cocchiarella, school board president.<\/p>\n
After the school board and Ramirez parted ways the school board asked school district staffers for their opinions. The staff had some.<\/p>\n
Mostly they advised the school board to hire Qualman, Cocchiarella said.<\/p>\n
Qualman is “calm and steady,” and that’s what the school district needs at the helm for at least right now, school board member Tessa Kirchner said.<\/p>\n
“He has shown great leadership through this rocky time,” school board member Shelly Jarnot said.<\/p>\n
Staff Writer Randy Wyrick can be reached at 970-748-2935 and rwyrick@vaildaily.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n