BOE interviews superintendent search firms
The Wichita Board of Education held a special meeting on September 15 to interview three superintendent search firms. The Board unanimously approved pursuing a contract with Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, Ltd. from Glenview, IL. The Board will vote on the contract at an upcoming meeting.

“We wanted to find the best firm possible whether that’s looking for superintendent candidates locally, regionally or nationally,” said Board of Education President Lynn Rogers.

“I liked how they said they aren’t a placement firm, they are a search firm,” said Connie Dietz. “I also liked how they had many years of experience and how most of the superintendents they help find stay in their districts for a long time.”

“I like that they wanted to have a workshop for us to learn about a superintendent search process,” said BOE Vice President Barb Fuller. “We’ve never done something like this before and I’m glad that they are willing to work with us every step of the way so we can get the best candidate possible.”

Board members asked each candidate several questions, including how would the firm engage the community, how will the firm sell Wichita to the candidates, how the firm would prepare the Board for interviews, how would the firm find a candidate that fits in the Wichita community, how they would conduct candidate background checks, and their experience with finding superintendent candidates.

The firm will be expected, but not limited, to:

• Establish a profile of a desired candidate in conjunction with the Board;
• Advertise the vacancy throughout the nation and locally;
• Obtain all relevant background information on potential candidates;
• Assist the Board in involving the community in the search and selection process;
• Assist the Board with contract negotiations, if requested.

The Board of Education is asking community members what they think are the most important qualities in the next superintendent. They are encouraged to participate in an online survey to help guide the BOE’s selection of the next superintendent. 

More information on the superintendent search can be found on the Wichita Public Schools' website. For a video copy of the candidates’ interviews, contact Media Productions at 973-2080.



September 15, 2008