Board Centered, Superintendent Friendly and Data Driven.
Effective school districts depend on a strong board/administrative team. Hiring a superintendent that fits the district's mission and culture is a critical board decision.
The WASB Search Service provides support to the board in conducting a well-planned, data driven, systematic search that lays the foundation for a governance/management team.
A WASB-facilitated search offers flexibility, cost effectiveness, technological innovations, security, confidentiality and more.
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Operating Principles The search consultant facilitates the process providing information and options to the board which makes the final decisions.
The community, staff, students and parents help determine the criteria for selection of the new superintendent through the use of focus groups. Focus group data is also used to develop written questions for the application package, rating forms and oral questions in the interviews.
WASB searches are posted on a variety of websites statewide, regional and national. All who are interested are encouraged to apply.
The board is given every application received by WASB on the district's behalf.
The first planning meeting involves determining the extent and the type of community and student involvement in the process, budget, schedule of activities, policy changes that may affect the outcome of the search, and commitments of individual board members. The second planning meeting involves choosing five or six candidates for the first round of interview and reviewing interview questions and procedures.
Profile Through focus groups the consultant assists the board in arriving at the profile of the desired person.
Advertising Most advertising is done through the internet on WASB, WASDA, AWSA and Wisconsin's web sites. Search staff consistently finds new web sites that offer free advertising. Print advertising is optional.
External Review (optional) An external review panel consisting of a board member, a current superintendent, and a university professor review all applications. They each rank the applications against the profile and suggest likely candidates for the first round of interviews.
Internal Review An internal review can be done by a district committee as approved by the board. Search staff provides a rating form.
First Interviews WASB schedules interviews, provides an interview script and an orientation for conducting a productive interview. This orientation includes tips on the traps to avoid and what to listen for in the interview. One or two finalist(s) and an alternate are chosen.
Further Safeguards The consultant coaches board members on effective reference checking techniques. WASB verifies licensure and conducts a criminal background check. If the finalist(s) pass these steps, they move to the second interview.
Second Interviews The school board and the consultant plan the second round of interviews including who will be involved and the the day schedule. There may be feedback to the board from those participating in the process. The board prioritizes their choices.
Board Visit to the Finalist's District Board members decide who will visit the district of their first choice finalist. Contract The board or its designee negotiates a contract with the first choice finalist.
The New Superintendent WASB may assist the district with announcing the new superintendent to the public and the media. Other services such as teambuilding between the board and the new superintendent and a review of the focus group data for establishing the district's direction are also available.
Search Costs WASB Search Service is a contracted service. Professional services are offered at an hourly rate plus expenses for travel, mileage, meals, and lodging if necessary. The external review involves travel expenses plus an honorarium for each reviewer. Additional costs include advertising, postage, legal counsel, finalists' travel expenses, and the site visit.
Total cost of a search including all expenses varies from $3,000 to $6,000 according to the needs of the district and the scope of the search. WASB works with the board to design a search that meets the needs of the district.
Beginning the Search Meet with the board and a consultant on how WASB's service can meet the needs of the district.
