Orlenda Roberts named new County School Superintendent

The Pinal County Board of Supervisors has approved the appointment of Orlenda Roberts as the new Pinal County School Superintendent.

Roberts will serve in place of retiring School Superintendent Dr. Jack Harmon until the position comes up for election in 2008. She has served with the Pinal County School Superintendent’s Office since April 2001, most recently as assistant superintendent.

The new county head of schools had to meet specific criteria as mandated by state law: she had to hold a basic or standard certificate to teach in the schools of this state and be a qualified elector and resident of Pinal County. The new superintendent also had to be a registered Democrat (as was Harmon) and must serve until the beginning of 2009.

Supervisors selected a five-member citizen’s committee with one member from each of the Supervisory districts and two at-large members to interview the two candidates for the post.
The committee members were: Dr. Frank Davidson of Casa Grande, Ron Rickles of San Manuel, Joe Robison of Saddleback, Nanette Solue of Oracle and Lucy Young of Apache Junction. Following an interview process, the committee made their recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

The newly appointed Pinal County Superintendent will be responsible for 19 public school districts, over 25,000 students, approximately 1,400 certified teachers and administrators as well as 2,100 classified employees.