CANYON CITY – The Grant School District No. 3 school board voted at a special Monday, March 9, meeting to hire Curt Shelley as the new superintendent, effective July 1, pending salary negotiations.

Shelley, who is currently principal of Grant Union Junior-Senior High School, would replace Superintendent Mark Witty who has accepted the superintendent position at Baker School District.

Monday’s special meeting was set to discuss the hiring of the next superintendent as well as additional items on the agenda.

After Witty’s letter of resignation, effective June 30, 2015, was accepted by the board, chairman Chris Cronin made a statement to “set the tone” for the discussion in which she recommended hiring Shelley as the new superintendent.

She noted that Shelley is highly qualified, works well with the board members and staff and knows the community. She also said he is a top candidate for a superintendent position at another district.

After comments from the audience, mostly in favor of the decision, board members discussed their opinions.

Vice chairman Zach Williams spoke in favor of hiring Shelley as well as board members Mike Cosgrove, Gordon Larson, Kelly Stokes and Tracie Unterwegner.

Board member Ben Holliday said that while he has the “utmost respect” for Shelley and his wife Elizabeth, he didn’t feel a rushed decision was good.

It was noted in the meeting that Curt Shelley would need to make a decision by Thursday for his other job opportunity.

Several spoke of the continuity that would be lost if Shelley and his wife, who works at Grant Union as career coordinator and English and leadership teacher, were to move.

All board members voted in favor to hire Shelley, pending salary negotiations, with the exception of Holliday.

If Shelley and the board agree on the negotiated salary, he would start the job of Grant School District No. 3 superintendent on July 1, 2015.