The Coeur d’Alene School Board decided Monday night to forgo a superintendent search and enter into contract negotiations to make interim superintendent Matthew Handelman’s position permanent. Handelman began a one-year contract on July 1, 2013. He spent the previous three years as the district’s associate superintendent and also has served as the district’s director of curriculum and director of elementary education. “Our district has gone through a phenomenal amount of change in a short period of time,” Trustee Christa Hazel said in a news release. “Matt is well regarded in our community and is the constant we need at the helm of our district.” Board Chairman Tom Hearn said board members have spoken with district staff and a variety of community members, asking about their experiences working 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 in the news release.