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Park City School District superintendent on medical leave

Ember Conley, superintendent of the Park City School District, has taken medical leave and is expected to be away from the district until mid-January.

Conley, who is in her third year as superintendent, told The Park Record that she took the leave to have back surgery. Todd Hauber, the district’s business administrator, has been named acting superintendent until she returns.

Hauber said Conley’s leave was planned well in advance, giving the district ample time to prepare for her absence. It was originally anticipated that she would be out before the district’s bond election held in early November, and Hauber does not expect her absence to be detrimental to the district.

"We wanted to make sure all the district operations would continue seamlessly," Hauber said. "She and I obviously work close together, so I’m aware of her goals and the things that need to keep happening in her absence so the district can keep moving forward."

Even so, having the district’s top official away for more than a month presents challenges. So the district is using a team approach to ensure all the bases are covered, Hauber said.

"I’m the point person, as the acting superintendent," he said. "But the cabinet is still fully functional. The areas of curriculum and student services and human resources and finances are all still happening. We’re still holding those meetings and having those full-on discussions and making determinations on what needs to happen. From that standpoint, we already know where we’re headed, so it’s really just about taking care of the day-to-day things that pop up."

Conley said that while there’s never an ideal time to leave, this time of year is as good as any since the school year is well underway and preparations for next year are not yet urgent. She added that it helps to have a capable staff that will take care of everything in her stead.

"I’ve worked in different districts in different states, and Park City has the best administrative team I’ve ever worked for, just as far as confidence, professionalism and their desire to do what’s right for kids," she said. "They’re really helping me out during this time."


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