This message is being sent on behalf of Board Chair George Sieburg and Vice Chair Amy Ray.

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We are writing to you with the unfortunate news that due to a family medical emergency, Dr. Rick Cruz is unable to assume the position of superintendent. This decision was difficult and painful for him to make, as he was excited to join this community. Our thoughts and well wishes are with Dr. Cruz and his family during this challenging time. We recognize that many of us were excited to welcome Dr. Cruz and had grown hopeful about the leadership he would offer. Click here for a video message from Dr. Cruz. 

The Board is excited to act on and introduce the new Asheville City Schools' superintendent at a special board meeting this Thursday at 4 pm and you are all invited to join us. 

The four superintendent finalists the Board interviewed were all exceptionally qualified, and the Board is confident in our next superintendent. The leading candidate is a former principal and current superintendent, who is a proven servant leader.  They bring a strong commitment to both equity and excellence. Our future is bright!  The Board brings the same spirit of excitement and welcome that we extended to Dr. Cruz.

We will communicate this to all staff and the community later this afternoon, but we wanted school and district leadership to know first. 

Thank you for your continued support of Asheville City Schools, 

George Sieburg

Amy Ray