Heatley withdraws from superintendent candidacy in Nevada

CHINO -- Edmond Heatley has withdrawn from his candidacy for a school district Superintendent position in Nevada and is considering a similar position in Georgia.

Heatley has been superintendent of the Chino Valley Unified School District since 2005.
Barbara Clark, board president of the Reno-based Washoe County School District, said Heatley notified her of his decision.

Clark could not confirm where Heatley would be working.

Heatley did not return calls for comment though school board member Michael Calta said he spoke to Heatley on Wednesday regarding the news.

"He confirmed he had been offered a superintendent position in Georgia, but he has not confirmed he's acepted the position yet," Calta said. "He didn't tell me what district. He will first notify the board before he make his decision public."

Heatley was apparently a top finalist for the superintendent position in Washoe County School District, which is the second largest school district in Nevada.

Washoe County school officials had been planning to visit the Chino Unified School District this the week.

Clark, who is helping lead the Washoe County district's superintendent search, said her district is disappointed in the change of plan.

"Yes, we are certainly disappointed in this news and I think it speaks to the quality of Dr. Heatley's candidacy that obviously he was a skilled and knowledgable candidate that is going to be pursued by other school districts," Clark said. "I think all the top candidates for superintendent positions are probably being courted by more than one school district."

Last week, Heatley visited Reno for an interview, during which he addressed concerns from the public and school officials.

"Heatley was at the forefront," Clark said.

-neil.nisperos@inlandnewspapers.com