LIBERTY, Mo. - Liberty is a district with a history of trouble at the top. A closer look at the process of hiring their newest leader raised serious questions.

When Liberty Superintendent Mike Brewer steps down next summer, his replacement will only be a few steps down the hall.

"We surprised a lot of people," Brewer agreed.

Dr. John Jungmann, a relatively new face at the district, will step into the role of superintendent. District officials recruited him to be deputy superintendent only four months ago.

When Brewer recommended Jungmann replace him, the school board agreed and never performed an official search for other candidates. They did when Brewer was hired. Most districts, like Raymore-Peculiar, do. Ray-Pec's superintendent search can be found posted online .

"This went a little faster than any of us thought it would," said D. Scott Connor, president of Liberty's Board of Education.

Officials tout Jungmann will allow a much smoother transition than when Brewer took the job in 2008.

That's when former Superintendent Scott Taveau faced accusations of double-dipping; taking retirement funds while working full-time. His replacement, Phil Wright, said he was forced to resign for refusing to forge documents. But an audit revealed district credit card abuse, like buying alcohol and spa treatments.

Brewer was supposed to stabilize the ship. Board members say he did.

"Mike has been the right guy at the right time," Connor said.

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Liberty superintendent change questioned