Hiring the Superintendent: A Model
Process for Conducting an Effective Search
Mike Boring, Al Cohen, Rich Parker
THE FOUR PHASES
Phase I - Planning
• Identify the desirable characteristics of the
future superintendent
• Establish the timeline and target dates for the
selection process
• Develop a promotional brochure and advertise
the position
Phase II - Searching
• Stakeholder Meetings - Identify and
solicit input from various groups
• Develop an application form
• Actively recruit for the position
Phase III - Reviewing
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Evaluate each application
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Conduct reference checks on the applicants
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Review the candidates with the board
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Assist the Board in determining which candidates to
interview
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Develop a set of interview questions
Phase IV - Deciding
• Assist the board in establishing interview and visitation
procedures
• Coordinate the candidate interviews
• Assist the board in establishing compensation
parameters
• Keep all candidates informed of their status in the
selection process
Recruiting and Hiring a Quality Superintendent
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Selection Criteria
Comply with the Open Public Meetings Act
Establish Realistic Timelines
Advertising the Position
Recruit Quality Applicants
Comprehensive Application Materials
Screen Applicants and Reference Checks
Interviewing the Candidates
Selecting the New Superintendent
M&J / WSSDA Washington Searches
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Aberdeen School District, Aberdeen
Arlington School District, Arlington
Battleground School District, Battleground
Bellevue School District, Bellevue
Chehalis School District, Chehalis
Chewelah School District, Chewelah
Clover Park School District, Lakewood
Coupeville School District, Coupeville
Crescent School District, Joyce
East Valley School District, Spokane
Eatonville School District, Eatonville
Federal Way Public Schools, Federal Way
Kelso School District, Kelso
Kittitas School District, Kittitas
Lynden School District, Lynden
Morton School District
Mt. Baker School District, Deming
North Kitsap School District, Poulsbo
North Thurston Public Schools, Lacey
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Northport School District, Northport
Ocosta School District, Westport
Olympia School District, Olympia
Orcas Island School District,
Orting School District, Orting
Port Townsend School District
Rainier School District, Rainier
Richland School District, Richland
Ridgefield School District
Sequim School District, Sequim
Shaw Island School District, Shaw Island
Shelton School District, Shelton
Skykomish School District, Skykomish
South Whidbey School District, Langley
Steilacoom School District, Steilacoom
Tenino School District, Tenino
Tukwila School District, Tukwila
Tumwater School District, Tumwater
West Valley School District, Yakima
Washington State School Directors’
Association
221 College Street NE
Olympia, Washington 98516
360-493-9231
McPherson & Jacobson, L.L.C.
7905 L St., Suite 310
Omaha, Nebraska 68127
402-991-7031/888-375-4814
Email: mail@macnjake.com
www.macnjake.com
Our Washington Consultants
Dr. Michael Boring
Dr. Al Cohen
Dr. William Dean
Ms. Barb Dean
Mr. Rich Parker
THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING.
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