Manchester Community Schools - Superintendent Search

Dear Manchester Community Schools Families, Staff, and Community Members:

The Manchester Community Schools Board of Education is pleased to share an update on our Superintendent search.

Following action taken at the Board's July 27, 2026 Special Meeting, three internal candidates have been invited to interview for the position of Superintendent:

• Tom Johns – Principal of Riverside Intermediate School and Manchester Athletic Director

• Widad Luqman – Principal of Klager Elementary School and Director of the Manchester Early Childhood Center

• Nabil Nagi – Director of Special Programs for Manchester Community Schools

Selecting our next Superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities of the Board of Education. We value the perspectives of our staff, families, students, and community members, and we encourage everyone to participate in the opportunities below to learn more about our candidates and provide feedback as we move through this process.

Superintendent Search Schedule

Monday, August 3, 2026 – Staff Question & Answer Sessions (Staff Only)

Time: Beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Location: Jr./Sr. High School Media Center

District staff will have the opportunity to meet individually with each candidate and provide feedback to the Board of Education.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 – Board Interviews
Time: Beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Location: Jr./Sr. High School Media Center

Each candidate will provide a presentation followed by interview questions from the Board of Education. This meeting is open to the public, and community members, families, and staff are encouraged to attend. Feedback forms will be available for attendees to share their input with the Board.

Thursday, August 6, 2026 – Community Meet & Greet
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Jr./Sr. High School Commons

This informal event provides an opportunity for families and community members to meet each candidate, ask questions, and share feedback with the Board of Education. Light refreshments will be provided, and children are welcome.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 – Superintendent Selection
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Jr./Sr. High School Media Center

The Board of Education is expected to take action to select the next Superintendent during this public meeting.

As the Board conducts this search, Shannon Cajic will serve as Interim Superintendent beginning August 1. Shannon has been a dedicated member of the Manchester Community Schools administrative team since 2018, serving in a variety of leadership roles throughout her tenure, most recently as Chief Financial Officer. She holds the appropriate administrative certification and brings extensive experience in school finance, district operations, strategic planning, and educational administration. Throughout her time with the district, she has worked closely with district leadership, the Board of Education, and staff to support the success of our students and schools. The Board is grateful for her willingness to provide steady leadership during this transition.

Candidate resumes and additional updates regarding the Superintendent search will be posted on the Manchester Community Schools website as they become available.

Thank you for your continued support, engagement, and commitment to Manchester Community Schools. We appreciate your participation as we work together to select our district's next educational leader.

Sincerely,

Manchester Community Schools Board of Education