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PARK CITY — The Park City School District on Wednesday announced that Lyndsay Huntsman has been chosen as the district's next superintendent following a four-month search.
Huntsman brings over two decades of experience as an educator and administrator across four Utah school districts — including 13 years in the Park City School District — to the position. Over the years, her roles have included teacher, assistant principal, principal and director of career and technical education.
She's currently pursuing her doctorate in educational leadership at Texas Tech University.
"We're in the midst of a transformative era in education, brimming with challenges and incredible opportunities," Huntsman said in a statement. "I believe the future lies in collaboration — bringing together students, educators, families and community partners to reimagine what's possible. Together, we can create dynamic, inclusive learning environments that prepare students for their future."
In a release, the district's board of education said it placed a strong emphasis on "leadership, communication and a commitment to continuous improvement" while searching for candidates in conjunction with the Utah School Boards Association.
Eventually, the focus shifted to possible internal candidates.
"Lyndsay's depth and breadth of experience, leadership priorities and approach to the challenges facing our district were the qualities the board was looking for in a new superintendent. With 20 years in education and administration experience in PCSD and other districts, her many professional accomplishments, the high praise and esteem of her colleagues, and her established relationships in our community, we know that she is the right choice to lead our district," said Meredith Reed, president of the district's board of education, in a statement.
The district's previous superintendent, Jill Gildea, announced her retirement in September after a tenure riddled with controversy, including the district being charged with failing to report three cases of suspected child sex abuse to police, and the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights finding over 180 reported incidents of student-to-student harassment from 2021 to 2023, among a litany of other issues.
In August — a month before Gildea announced her retirement — the district came under fire regarding Gildea's contract renewal when the board of education voted 3-2 to renew the contract despite some community members and two board members thinking the decision should be left to the incoming board.
Caleb Fine, a longtime educator in the district, served as the interim superintendent throughout the transition and will continue to assist Huntsman in her role.
"There are many dedicated and talented professionals within our district. We believe in providing opportunities for career growth for our staff. The board is delighted to unanimously and enthusiastically support our new superintendent and to demonstrate a commitment to hiring from within," Reed said.
