Spokane school superintendent search resuming

With the election of at least one new board member nearly out of the way, the Spokane Public Schools board of directors is moving forward with plans to find a permanent superintendent.

The school board will hold a special meeting Saturday to interview three search firms being considered for the task of finding a new leader for Eastern Washington’s largest school system.

Nancy Stowell was appointed as interim superintendent to replace Brian Benzel, who retired last year.

The board made a decision last year to postpone a nationwide superintendent search for the 29,000-student district until the November election, when at least one new board member was expected to fill open seats.

“We felt that it was important that whatever board was elected now, was the one that made the selection,” said Christie Querna, school board president.

Although the election results won’t be certified until Nov. 27, as of Thursday Querna and board member Sue Chapin look to keep their seats on the board.

It appears as if newcomer Robert Douthitt will move into Position 2, having taken a slight lead over David Keller.

The superintendent reports directly to the board.

On Saturday three firms will be interviewed by phone, Querna said. They include Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates, and BWP Associates, both based in Illinois, as well as the Liberty Lake-based Northwest Leadership Associates.

Fees paid to the consultants by the district will be between $20,000 and $30,000, Querna said.

Total costs associated with the search for a new superintendent could total about $40,000, including travel for possible candidates as well as board members.

The district sent out a request for proposals to 174 consulting firms across the country, said Barb Wright, associate superintendent for human resources. Six responded, and three were selected for interviews.

The board will work with the firm to develop a description and set of qualifications for a new superintendent in the coming months, which will involve community surveys and staff surveys, Querna said.

While no salary requirements for the new superintendent have been set, Benzel earned a base salary of $165,000. Stowell’s base salary is $159,500.

Candidates will likely be made available for interviews with the public before a decision is made.

The board hopes to make a final selection by the end of March, Querna said.

“I think we owe it to ourselves to pick the very best person that is available,” Querna said.