Monday, the State Board of Education voted unanimously to hire Martell Menlove, who is currently deputy superintendent, as the new superintendent of public instruction. Menlove says he feels his career path over the past 35 years has prepared him for this position.
"I’ve been a classroom teacher at both an elementary and middle school level, I’ve been a counselor at a middle school, I’ve been a principal at a high school, I’ve been a principal at an elementary, I’ve been a superintendent at one of the smaller districts in the state, I’ve been a superintendent at one of the larger districts in the state, and I’ve now had three years of experience at the State Office of Education so I think I understand educational issues statewide."
Menlove, who’s the husband of State Representative Ronda Menlove, hopes to begin establishing greater communication and trust with stakeholders as the new superintendent.
“I think I am a great listener who can facilitate and synthesize input and bring back and bring groups of people together to solve problems and move forward.”
Menlove was one of three candidates vying for the job. He will be replacing current superintendent Larry Shumway, who announced his retirement last month.