WASB Search Process

WASB SEARCHES

FOR APPLICANTS

Please visit Application Tips for information regarding our search process or to fill out a Stage One Application.

Consultant Contact Information:

Dennis Richards, Ph.D.	Cell: 715.896.3846	Email: drichards@wasb.org
Louis Birchbauer, Ph.D.	Cell: 414.218.2805	Email: lbirchbauer@wasb.org
David Carlson	Cell: 608.220.0145	Email: dcarlson@wasb.org
Mary DeYoung, Ph.D.	Cell: 262.903.8023	Email: mdeyoung@wasb.org
Roger Foegen	Cell: 608.790.5836	Email: rfoegen@wasb.org

FOR DISTRICTS

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 Services 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.

The WASB has worked with many school districts, both small and large, in Wisconsin. A brief list of the districts for which the WASB has conducted superintendent searches since 2007-08 follows:

Altoona

Antigo
Arcadia

Bayfield

Cadott Community

Cedar Grove - Belgium Area

CESA 7

CESA 10

Chequamegon

Colby

Coleman

Columbus

Crandon

Cuba City

Cumberland

De Soto Area

Eau Claire Area

Edgar

Elmwood

Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau
Geneva J4

Germantown

Goodman-Armstrong Creek

Holmen

Howards Grove

Hustisford

Independence

Kaukauna

Kewaunee

Laona

Lomira

Manawa

Marinette

Mauston

Menomonie Area

Merton Community

Neenah Joint

Nekoosa

New Holstein

North Cape

Onalaska

Pardeeville Area
Platteville

Randolph

Saint Croix Central

Sauk Prairie

Sharon Community

Sheboygan Falls

Shell Lake

South Milwaukee

Southern Door County

Stevens Point Area

Stone Bank

Tomah

Washington-Caldwell

West Salem

Westby

Whitewater Unified

Whitnall

Wilmot UHS

Wisconsin Rapids

Wittenberg-Birnamwood

Request a Proposal:

Is your district preparing to make the critical decision of selecting your next superintendent? Please contact Sally Sweitzer to request a proposal.

Operating Principles:

The WASB search consultant facilitates the process by providing information and options to the board which makes the final decisions.

Community members, staff, students and parents help determine the criteria for selection of the new superintendent through participation in the 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 may be posted on a variety of statewide, regional and national websites. Individuals who are interested in the positions are encouraged to apply.

Every application received by the WASB on the district's behalf is provided to the district.

Current Wisconsin Searches

THE SEARCH PROCESS

Planning:

The first planning meeting involves: determining the extent and the type of community and student involvement in the process, budget and schedule of activities, existing board policy, and commitments of individual board members. A subsequent planning meeting entails choosing five or six candidates for the first interview round and reviewing interview questions and procedures.

Profile:

The consultant assists the board in arriving at the profile of the desired person based on information from focus groups and the school board.

Advertising:

Advertising is usually done through the internet on WASB, WASDA, AWSA and Wisconsin's websites. Search staff consistently find new websites that offer free advertising. Print advertising is optional.

Internal Review:

An internal review can be done by a district committee as approved by the board. The WASB search staff provides a rating form.

First Interviews:

The 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. The WASB verifies licensure and conducts an extensive criminal and credit 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 day's 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 school board or its designee negotiates a contract with the final candidate.

The New Superintendent:

The WASB may assist the district with announcing the new superintendent to the public and the media. Transition services are available during and after the search process is completed. Some transition services may include team building between the board and the new superintendent, and a review of the focus group data to help establish the district's future direction.

Search Costs:

The WASB Search Services is a contracted service. Professional services are offered at an hourly rate plus expenses for travel, mileage, meals and lodging, if necessary. Additional costs include advertising, postage, legal counsel, finalists' travel expenses, and the site visit.

The WASB Search Services can begin at $6,750 which includes expenses; however, the total service costs are determined by the WASB Search Services design and scope which is locally determined, as well as on-site consultant time. The WASB works with the board to design a search that meets the needs of the district.

Beginning the Search:

Establish a meeting between the board and a consultant to determine how the WASB search service can meet the needs of your district.