COEUR d'ALENE - Matthew Handelman will no longer be the Coeur d'Alene School District's "interim" superintendent.

School trustees decided Monday to forgo a superintendent search and move Handelman into the permanent superintendent's position.

The board will negotiate new contract terms with Handelman, who has been serving since July 1 under a one-year "interim" superintendent contract.

"We are very wise to realize we have an excellent leader right here and the district is well off if we give Matthew Handelman a permanent contract," said Trustee Dave Eubanks.

Trustee Christa Hazel said the district has been through significant changes in a short period of time, and noted that Handelman is well-regarded in the community.

"It is our responsibility as a board to ask the right questions and look at our options. After careful consideration and reviewing his resume and the impressive work Matt has done for our district in the last three years and in leadership positions prior, I feel confident we have the right person here that can do the job," said Trustee Terri Seymour.

Board chair Tom Hearn said the trustees have spent the last several weeks talking to school district staff and a variety of people in the community, asking about their experiences with Handelman.

"We don't need to look elsewhere - we need a steady hand and Mr. Handelman provides expertise and work ethic to lead this district," Hearn said.

Handelman spent the previous three years as the district's associate superintendent, also serving as the district's director of curriculum and director of elementary education.