ROCSD Superintendent Search Update
The Red Oak Community School District Board of Education has been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services through the hiring process for the district's next superintendent. Earlier, a survey was made available to district stakeholders eliciting input on desired qualifications for the next superintendent. In all, 245 people responded to the survey. The Board reviewed results from the survey and selected the following desired qualifications:
- Is approachable, accessible, and welcoming
- Recruits, hires, and develops a strong administrative team
- Follows through on tasks and responsibilities
- Strong instructional leader
- Brings out success in others
- Demonstrates ethics and integrity
- Possesses strong communication skills
- Builds school and community relations
Overall, the district received 26 completed applications to be the next superintendent. A breakdown of those 26 applications include the following: 1 female and 25 male; 18 had at least 2 years experience as a superintendent or assistant superintendent, 10 had at least 7 years experience, and 7 had at least 11 years experience; and 6 had terminal degrees (EdD or PhD). There were 6 out-of-state candidates and 19 candidates currently serving around Iowa.
On Wednesday, April 1, the Board electronically met with Grundmeyer Leader Services consultants to review all 26 applications and materials. Following that discussion, the board directed the consultants to invite six candidates to participate in electronic semifinalist screening interviews on Wednesday, April 8. Upon completion of the semifinalist interviews, the Board will invite 2-3 finalists to interview on Wednesday, April 15 in Red Oak. Names of finalists will be made public following semifinalist interviews and acceptance of invitations to be finalists.
Finalists interviews on Wednesday, April 15, will include a tour of community and district, an electronic interview with a mixed interview team consisting of various district stakeholders, and an interview with the Board. At conclusion of the finalists interviews, the Board will review all input data provided by members of the mixed interview team in closed session. The intent of the Board will be to direct Grundmeyer Leader Services to make an offer following the Board meeting. The name of the successful candidate will be released, pending successful formal background check and official Board approval, once a verbal acceptance of the offer has been received.
The new superintendent will officially begin his/her duties on July 1, 2020.