Superintendent Search

Top-tier, experienced superintendent candidates are shying away from superintendent search processes in which their names are surfaced publicly prior to selection.  This has always been problematic, as the risk to a sitting superintendent who enjoys strong relationships in their district – and then publicly applies for another school district superintendency – is not small.  But in the current era, where superintendents of great talent are in higher demand than ever before, top-drawer candidates are increasingly selective about the positions to which they apply.  Many successful superintendents will opt out of a search process where they will be publicly identified as finalists for a job that they may not ultimately get.  In our searches, it is often one of the first questions we are asked by prospective candidates who are current superintendents.

Thus, it should not be surprising to note that superintendent searches from districts where finalists’ names are publicly revealed evidence that most finalists in most searches are not sitting superintendents.

Yes, throughout Washington – in Bellevue, Sequim, Port Townsend, Chimacum, and Prosser to name a few – successful searches took place without a public reveal.  Many other districts in the Pacific Northwest, and most districts in California use such an approach. Even in cities that are known for their active and deeply engaged communities, such as Bellevue and Ashland, Oregon, the “non-reveal” process yielded experienced talented superintendents and a successful leadership transition.

Updates regarding the Superintendent search process will be communicated widely. The Board will provide updates on the website, at its regularly scheduled meetings as well as through press releases.