CV Superintendent Search Is Wide Open
The Central Valley school board is casting a wide net in its search for a new superintendent, seeking input from students and contemplating advertising over the Internet.
On Monday night, the board met with consultants from Plath, Nielsen, Rodgers Associates, the Illinois-based firm working with the district, to set a timeline for the search.
Despite the 130 school superintendent searches PNR has conducted in 30 states, board members made suggestions to brothers Karl and Paul Plath that the consultants hadn’t considered before.
Board member Linda Tompkins proposed sending the district’s advertisement for a new superintendent out over the Internet.
“We’d be surprised how many people would be surfing (the Internet) and would respond,” Tompkins said.
Board member Cynthia McMullen suggested passing out a questionnaire to students asking them the most important qualifications of a superintendent and the most pressing issue facing the district.
“Students have a good hold on what’s happening in our schools,” McMullen said.
We haven’t done that before, said consultant Karl Plath, “But we’re happy to try it.”
Other suggestions were more standard fare.
Board members emphasized that all members of the CV community, from staff to students to parents, should have a chance for input. Board President Kay Bryant also stressed that business leaders should have a chance to meet with the consultants.
The community meetings usually last an hour and are conducted like “brainstorming” sessions, Karl Plath said.
Invitations outlining the meeting are sent out ahead of time to ensure that people come with ideas, he said. Participants discuss qualities they expect in their new superintendent, along with pressing district issues such as the upcoming $23 million bond.
Tompkins was concerned two public meetings, on consecutive days, wouldn’t be enough.
“It seems like a narrow envelope for something as important as this,” Tompkins said. After a little haggling, another meeting was scheduled.
, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Timeline for search Central Valley School District’s superintendent search schedule: Oct. 2-3 - Interviews with board members and other district representatives. Board meeting to discuss entire search process Oct. 17-18 - Public meetings. Consultants meet about qualifications with members of the community, including administrators, principals, unions, teachers and staff, community leaders and others. Oct. 23 - Public meeting and board meeting. Oct. 23 to Nov. 1 - Board members review and approve draft of brochure advertising the position. Following Nov. 7 general election - Brochures printed and distributed; network mailing; advertising. Feb. 1 - Deadline for applications. Feb. 2-4 - Consultants screen applications and prepare for interviewing of 12 to 16 most qualified applicants. Week of Feb. 4 - Board meets with consultants to review candidates for consultants interview. Feb. 16-18 - Consultants interview 12 to 16 candidates and recommend four to six for board interviews. Week of Feb. 18 - Board meets with consultants to discuss candidates, prepare for interviews and review tentative superintendent contract. March 2-3 - Board interviews four to six candidates; selects finalist(s). Weeks of March 4 and 11 - Candidate(s) in district for entire day, with spouse, if desired. Activities will include: interview with board, meeting with staff groups, meeting with parents and community groups, an open community meeting, visits to schools and other areas of district. Prior to April 1 - Board selects superintendent, begins contract negotiations. July 1 - New superintendent takes over. Alison Boggs