For reasons no one has cared to articulate, there had been lingering skepticism over Craig Chapman’s ability to lead the Columbus Municipal School District on a permanent basis.

In his 10 years in the district, Chapman has served as an interim superintendent twice before he was chosen to lead the district last December. Even then, there were terms and conditions, including an 18-month contract for a position that had historically included a three- or four-year contract.

Whatever reservations the board of trustees may have had seem to no longer exist. During Thursday’s regular meeting, the school board voted to award Chapman a three-year extension that will be in effect through August 2029.

For Chapman, the extension represents a vote of confidence that is both well-earned and long overdue.

When promoted from interim superintendent, Chapman’s 18-month contract appeared to be a trial run. He was given a list of goals the board expected him to meet.

It took Chapman five days to accept the abbreviated superintendent contract.

When he did there was no looking back.

Chapman had proved himself in a way no previous superintendent in memory had been asked to do.

Chapman’s path to district leadership began in June 2025, after Stanley Ellis resigned, when he was named interim superintendent for the second time.

In the subsequent search for a permanent superintendent, Chapman was the last man standing when the other finalist left the field.

Rather than hire Chapman as superintendent, the search was suspended until January as Chapman continued on an interim basis.

It was tantamount to a five-month audition, followed by a short-term contract.

Chapman has met all those challenges as the contract extension clearly demonstrated. Board president Robert Smith said Chapman graded out to a 3.8 on a 4.0 scale.

The timing of the contract extension is important as the district embarks on a new chapter marked by school consolidation, a transition to grade-span elementary schools and continuing $36 million in capital improvements projects. The logistics involved in such sweeping changes aren’t simple. It’s both an enormous challenge and an enormous opportunity.

As the school year begins, the district will benefit from a proven leader with extensive knowledge of the community and its schools.

The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.