School board debates superintendent hiring process

Options on how the new superintendent will be hired were discussed Wednesday by the Maricopa School Unified School District Governing Board.

Board Member Jim Irving said he favored of appointing an ad hoc committee to select potential candidates, while Board President Scott Bartle favored hiring an outside vendor experienced in conducting executive searches.

Estimates of hiring an outside firm range from $5,000 to $30,000, according to research included in the board’s agenda packet.

Irving said the key element was the involvement of stakeholders, and he was concerned about spending money when the district is already strapped for money.

“We (the board members) make the final decision,” he said. “For a heck of a lot less money we can do the same thing.”

Bartle, however, said it was risky to put a decision as important as hiring a new superintendent in the hands of volunteers.

“The most important thing is to get the best candidate,” he said. “This is the most important decision in our four year-terms.”

Board Vice President Torri Anderson said before the district spends money, it needs to find out what the community wants.

“I want to see surveys first, then an ad hoc committee to say ‘this is what we need as a leader,’” she said. “I’m not ready to commit to spending $5,000 to $30,000.”

Human Resources Director Tom Beckett said hiring a national firm with national contacts could range from $30,000 to $35,000, or about 30 percent of what the superintendent’s yearly salary is. The search is expected to take four to six months.

Board Member Patti Coutre asked if the district had the funds available, and Aron Rausch, the district’s business services director, said yes.

“The decision to make is whether the board will do the process or whether to hire a third party,” Beckett said.

***ADVERTISEMENT***Beckett said based on a report by the Washington State School Directors’ Association, there are advantages to hiring a consulting firm.

The time involved in planning, coordination and supporting the conclusion of a superintendent is a major commitment and most board and staff members have full schedules in their work and personal lives. The various tasks involved in a search combine to create a relentless responsibility that is usually beyond the discretionary time available to board and staff members, according to the report.

Another consideration pointed out in the report is the person ultimately selected as superintendent should be viewed as an impartial manager as he or she assumes the position. The involvement of staff members in directing the search may contribute to the impression that some staff members are closer to the new person than others.

The board is set to act on how it will proceed at its regular meeting Wednesday.

Board members will discuss and possibly approve either the formation of an ad hoc search committee, the procurement of an executive search firm or a third alternative based on discussion.

Current Superintendent Jeff Kleck announced in September he is resigning effective June 30.