ericaKPteriTPetersburg School District has decided to suspend its search for a new superintendent and instead offer the job to Erika Kludt-Painter who has been filling in. The school board plans to offer Kludt-Painter a one-year contract for the 2015-2016 school year.

Kludt-Painter had been the Principal of the Stedman Elementary. Now leading the school is former second grade teacher Teri Toland.

Kludt-Painter took over the role of superintendent when Lisa Stroh quit after six months on the job. Stroh had been placed on administrative leave in mid-December and left town citing “family medical reasons.” Stroh made the offer to remain on administrative leave with pay for another six months which the school board agreed to with the condition that the two sides did not to pursue claims against each other. Stroh’s resignation is effective June 30th of 2015 and she remains on administrative leave with pay through that date.

Kludt-Painter is in a conference in Anchorage until Thursday and could not be reached for comment by news time. Her contract details will continue to be hashed out at the next school board meeting March 17.