A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to detailing the superintendent search process. The board decided to manage the search without the assistance of a search firm, a departure from previous experiences. Board members agreed to categorize applications into three groups based on fit and suitability. A member shared their personal experience with conducting a similar search, offering insights into logistics and best practices.

Community engagement was highlighted as a componet of the search. The board discussed deploying a survey to gather input from various stakeholders, including parents, student leaders, and administrators. The survey aims to capture the community’s expectations for the new superintendent, with a particular focus on educational qualifications and experience in special education pertinent to the district’s needs. Members emphasized the importance of ensuring the survey questions are clear and effective in guiding candidate selection.

The board deliberated on the timeline for posting the job opening, stressing urgency due to other districts advertising similar positions. It was agreed that the job listing should be posted on major job boards by October 6 to attract potential candidates. Discussions also touched on the organization of data collection and analysis from the survey. A suggestion was made to form a steering committee to manage input without overwhelming the process, although it was stressed that the final decision should rest with the board.

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of candidates, the board proposed a timeline for the entire search process. Focus groups are scheduled to begin shortly after the job posting, during the weeks of October 20 and 27, with an application deadline set for November 3. First-round interviews are tentatively scheduled for early December, with virtual options suggested to save time for both interviewers and candidates.

The meeting also addressed the uniqueness of the district’s regional high school structure, which influences the candidate pool. It was noted that candidates with high school experience are preferred, positioning the district as an attractive opportunity for potential applicants.