Board members met for a work session during a Special Board of Education meeting on January 25, 2024, to discuss the outcomes of the Superintendent Search survey and associated focus groups facilitated by a Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) consultant. The survey garnered 811 submissions, with 143 participants engaging in the focus groups, representing a diverse cross-section of parents, students, staff, and community members.
Noteworthy Statistics:
32.92% of survey participants have affiliations with the district spanning 4-10 years, while 30.58% have been associated for 20 or more years.
The survey and focus groups revealed top-priority attributes sought in the next Superintendent:
A "Kids First" mindset
Personal strength to do what's right, regardless of circumstances
Proficiency in communication, transparency, and proactive engagement
Resource and budget management skills
Expertise in staff recruitment, retention, training, and salary matters
Innovation, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking
Experience in business operations, including potential bond and budget involvement
Previous Superintendent experience
Competence in curriculum and instructional leadership
Demonstrated commitment to community engagement, passion, and fostering district pride
Upcoming Steps:
A Special Board of Education meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2024, at 6:00 pm. KASB's candidate screening committee will report to the Board during this session. The Board will collaborate to formulate interview questions for potential Superintendent candidates, incorporating insights from the survey and focus groups. This meeting will be conducted in executive session and will not be broadcast.
Timeline:
February 1, 2024: Superintendent applications deadline.
February 1 - 5, 2025: KASB will assess candidates using survey and focus group data.
February 5, 2024, at 6:00 pm: A Special Board of Education meeting will be held. The Board will receive KASB's screening committee's report and finalize interview questions for candidates.
February 6 - 16, 2024: The Board will conduct interviews. Interviews are conducted in executive session.