USD 257 board members want to hire a new superintendent of schools within “a relatively short time,” they said Wednesday night as they put the search process in motion. Initially, the Kansas Association of School Boards will be contacted and asked to provide assistance with the search.
Dr. Craig Neuenswander, superintendent of schools, said two current district employees were eligible for the position and that he thought at least one would apply. Neither was named. Board members discussed whether to restrict their initial search to current employees, but decided that would be too limiting.
Neuenswander cautioned that while he understood board members’ interest in filling the position as quickly as possible, “the biggest issue is to get the right person.”
He also pointed out that several Kansas superintendents had announced resignations or retirements, which might limit applications, and that “in the last several years there have been fewer candidates when a position has opened.”
To start the search process, representatives of KASB will meet with board members to get a feel for what they want in a top administrator. Next will be winnowing applications.
Board members will develop interview protocol and a list of questions.
The first round of interviews should take place before the end of January, Neuenswander said.
Neuenswander, in his 12th year at the district helm, resigned effective June 30 at the board’s Dec. 6 meeting. He will become director of finance for the Kansas Department of Education.
A NEW superintendent may not be the only change in management of the district in 2011. Four of seven board positions will be filled in the April 5 general election.
They are held today by Don Snavely, position 1, much of the district outside Iola except for Gas, LaHarpe and rural areas near those cities; Doug Dunlap, position 2, Iola’s First Ward; Mary Apt, position 3, Iola’s Second Ward; and Deanne Burris, position 7, filled at large throughout the district.
Snavely said last night he would seek re-election. The other three have not yet decided.
Allen County Clerk said election books were open for filing. The deadline to file is noon Jan. 25.
