FAIRBURY, Neb. (AP) — The Fairbury Public Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a contract Thursday night to hire a new superintendent after hearing emotional public comment from teachers who opposed the board’s choice and a community member who urged residents to move forward together.

The board voted 6–0 during a special meeting to approve the contract of Roger Stumpf, clearing the way for him to become the district’s next superintendent.

During public comment, three district employees criticized the board’s decision and the superintendent selection process.

Amy Engel-Evans, a 22-year district employee and member of the superintendent interview committee, said the committee overwhelmingly favored another candidate and felt its recommendation was ignored.

“For the first time in a very long time, I felt hope and excitement for what Fairbury Public Schools could once again be,” Engel-Evans said, referring to the interview process. She said learning the board chose a different candidate left her feeling “hurt and betrayed.”

Engel-Evans disputed claims that staff morale and stability have improved, saying, “We lost 50% of staff at the high school last year. I wouldn’t call that stability or strides in staff morale.”

Agriculture teacher Thomas Dux, who has worked in the district for 11 years, said the board’s decision undermined unity.

“One of the greatest things that we can do is unify,” Dux said. “I feel like you guys really fumbled on this in your selection and your decision.”

Dux added that elected officials sometimes need to make decisions aligned with the majority they represent, saying, “My concern is that sense of unity was not felt with some board members.”

Chris Taylor, a paraeducator and Fairbury High School graduate, said fear and distrust exist among staff and that many are reluctant to speak publicly.

“People are afraid. People don’t trust the board. They don’t trust necessarily our administrators,” Taylor said. “To me, as much as people were upset and angry about this decision, four people are willing to stand up and speak to you. That says something.”

Taylor said many staff members do not understand the board’s decision, adding, “I don’t think anybody understands this decision.”

In contrast, local business owner Thayne Tatro urged the community to support the board’s choice and move past divisions. Tatro said he spoke with a Kansas resident who spoke highly of Stumpf.

“He had nothing but good to say about Roger,” Tatro said, adding that Stumpf is “highly respected at his district and highly respected at the State Board of Education.”

Tatro acknowledged the frustration surrounding the decision but said continued conflict would be harmful.

“I’m tired of the division,” he said. “We need to come together as a community. We can’t improve as a district until we all come together.”

Before the vote, the board explained the special meeting was procedural and consistent with past practices when superintendent contract approvals do not align with regular meeting schedules.

The board then approved Stumpf’s contract by roll call vote. Members also unanimously approved the purchase of a replacement vehicle for student transportation before adjourning the meeting.