The Park City School District has planned on restructuring its administrative cabinet for the last few months. It recently announced its first new hire.

The district hired Michael Tanner as its new chief operations officer last month. Tanner, who has worked in a school district in Illinois for the last 15 years, is expected to step into the role in July.

The new position will oversee the facilities and grounds, maintenance, transportation, child nutrition services and community education departments, according to the district. The responsibilities were previously divided between the superintendent and business administrator.

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In Illinois, Tanner most recently held the position of associate superintendent for finance and operations. He has an MBA in finance and marketing, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in natural resources management. He also has a secondary education teaching certificate, and is a certified chief school business official.

He has served in the U.S. Air Force since 1996, and is currently a contingency airlift director. He works with senior military members and the U.S. State Department to conceive plans and mobilize resources to orchestrate international airlift operations.

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Tanner said he hopes to provide transparency and accountability to the community with the new position. He said he and his family have been searching for an opportunity to move to Park City for several years, and they are excited to join the community.

“I look forward to working with the outstanding district team in delivering on a number of exciting improvement efforts that will surely have a significant positive impact on this already fine district,” he said in an emailed response.

I look forward to working with the outstanding district team in delivering on a number of exciting improvement efforts…

Michael Tanner, Park City School District

Superintendent Jill Gildea previously worked with Tanner in Illinois schools. She said he has strong supervisory and leadership skills and that his background is a good fit for the position.

The district hired a national search firm to find candidates.

The district also intends to hire a chief academic officer to replace the associate superintendent of teaching and learning position, and a talent manager to replace the associate superintendent of human resources position. Traci Evans is currently the associate superintendent of teaching and learning on an interim basis. Tim McConnell, the current associate superintendent of human resources, is planning on retiring in December. The people hired for those positions are also expected to start in July.

Melinda Colton, spokesperson for the district, said McConnell will remain in the district to train the new talent manager until he leaves.