Williston school superintendent facing ‘reassignment of duties’ as Germundson assumes interim lead position

WILLISTON, N.D. (KUMV) - The Williston Basin School Board decided to make some leadership changes starting next month.

Following a 30-minute meeting, board members agreed to keep Superintendent Richard Faidley on the payroll but demote him through a “reassignment of duties.” Meanwhile, Assistant Superintendent Jason Germundson will take over as the interim superintendent. President Kyle Renner said they will start a 60-day search for applicants in January, focusing on internal and in-state candidates.

Board members said the district needed a fresh start as soon as possible but did not want to buy out Faidley’s contract.

“I think from a community and staff perspective, they’re looking for the board to move in a direction with somebody that has been in the district, that they are familiar with and are comfortable with,” said Chris Jundt, board member.

Board president Kyle Renner said his focus is on moving the district forward.

“[To the community,] you have a lot of great people in your school district here, from the assistant superintendents to the principals and teachers. This district is going to move forward in the right direction,” said Renner.

District staff will rework both Germundson and Faidley’s contracts to be approved next month. Faidley was not available for comment.

Faidley, who has been the superintendent since 2022, announced his resignation earlier this month, saying he will not seek another contract. While he claims family as the reason, the decision follows concerns from the board over his behavior and performance.

Germundson, a long-time principal at Williston High School, was promoted to assistant superintendent in March. He told the board he was interested in serving as the interim superintendent and thanked them for the vote of confidence.