Park City School District appoints new superintendent

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City School District Board of Education has appointed Lyndsay Huntsman as the district’s new superintendent, selecting an internal candidate with more than 20 years of experience in Utah education.

Huntsman, who has spent 13 years with the district, was sworn in after a unanimous board vote. “I’m honored and humbled to stand or sit for you as the new superintendent of this amazing school district,” she said during the ceremony. “Having had the privilege of working here for many years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the strength, resilience, and dedication of our students, staff, families, and community.”

Her appointment follows the departure of Jill Gildea, who retired amid questions regarding her contract and employment transition. Gildea, who led the district since 2018, became the CEO of Colorado Early Colleges on Nov. 1. She announced her retirement in September, weeks after the Park City school board renewed her contract through 2026.

Treasure Mountain Junior High Principal Caleb Fine served as interim superintendent during the transition. The board recognized his leadership in maintaining district operations, including overseeing school realignment and the planned closure of Treasure Mountain Junior High. “Caleb provided steady and thoughtful leadership during his time as interim superintendent,” the board stated. “His ability to maintain focus on our district’s goals has been instrumental in keeping the district on track.”

Huntsman has held roles as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Director of Career and Technical Education in Park City and Provo school districts. She emphasized collaboration and student success in her remarks. “We’re in the midst of a transformative era in education, brimming with challenges and incredible opportunities,” she said. “I believe the future lies in collaboration—bringing together students, educators, families, and community partners to reimagine what’s possible.”

Board President Meredith Reed said Huntsman’s experience, leadership, and approach to district challenges made her the right choice. “With 20 years in education and administration, her professional accomplishments, the high praise of her colleagues, and her established relationships in our community, we know she is the right choice to lead our district,” Reed said.

Huntsman, who is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership at Texas Tech University, lives in Heber Valley with her two daughters, shared, “Together, we’ll celebrate our successes, tackle our challenges, and create meaningful opportunities to empower every student to thrive.”