Merced City Schools taking next steps to find permanent superintendent. Here’s the latest

Merced City School District trustees are looking to hire a firm to help search for a permanent superintendent, following the departure of Richard Alan “Al” Rogers earlier this year amid sexual harassment allegations.

The board had been scheduled during their Nov. 9 meeting to interview representatives from three different firms who are candidates to assist in that search.

Trustees postponed those interviews until Nov. 16 after the recent meeting ran nearly five hours.

Agencies under consideration include two Merced-based firms: McPherson & Jacobson, LLC and Sectaris Partners.

Schaumburg, Illinois-based Hazard, Young, Attea & Associates also have a proposal before the board. The request for proposals deadline was Nov. 5.

In the meantime, Interim Superintendent Doug Collins remains at the helm of the district. He took over the interim position after previous superintendent Rogers was accused of sexual harassment by a former district employee.

After she filed a lawsuit against Rogers and district, the board put Rogers on leave pending an internal investigation. He resigned in July, taking a $15,000 payout from the district.

The suit against Rogers and the district was settled in the last few months.

For information on how to attend the board’s next meeting, please visit the Merced City School District’s website.

This story was originally published November 11, 2021 at 5:00 AM.