The search for a new superintendent is underway
Staff writer
Although USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker’s resignation doesn’t take effect until the end of the school year, the search for someone to fill his shoes is underway.
The job opening is already posted on four education-related websites including the Kansas Association of School Boards website. Completed applications are due to KASB between Jan. 14 and 17.
Doug Moeckel, deputy executive director of KASB, came to Marion on Monday to discuss the superintendent search with school board members and explain how the state group will help.
“Part of our role is to help the board in the process of selecting,” Moeckel said. “We try to match candidates to the community. We do that with input from the community.”
KASB performs background checks on applicants, Moeckel said.
Board members outlined a time frame for finding a new superintendent, and they’re not letting any grass grow underfoot.
They want a signed contract by the end of January.
Several meetings will take place in the time between now and then, the first on Monday.
“For next Monday, all it’s going to be is the board talking about the process they want to go through for hiring a superintendent and discussing procedure,” Leiker said.
Board members will talk about which community stakeholders they’d like to provide input on a committee that will develop desired characteristics of an incoming superintendent. After that, committee meetings will be held.
On Jan. 9, KASB will meet with the school board again to discuss the desired characteristics.
KASB will screen applicants in comparison to the characteristics on Jan. 20, then meet with the school board that night to provide the information.
Candidate interviews will take place the following week.
Moeckel said USD 408 has an advantage in knowing early that a new superintendent is needed. So far, KASB is aware of 18 other districts looking to hire a superintendent. Later in the school year, additional districts will be seeking superintendents, he said.
Location is an advantage for USD 408, Moeckel said. He predicted a number of applications will come from western Kansas superintendents seeking change and a more scenic area.