A consultant is recommending that USD 475 move to hire a new superintendent of schools by the winter break in December.

Consultant Brenda Dietrich of Ray & Associates noted, “The Board wants to be able to offer a contract before the end of this year so that that person would report to work most likely July 1, 2019. ” She feels the group of superintendents that will be interviewed by the Board will be sitting superintendents already under contract with their current district. “The chances of them breaking a contract or even asking to break a contract are pretty remote so that’s why July 1 start date makes sense.”

BOE President Tom Brungardt is comfortable with the goal to hire a superintendent by the winter break. “From talking to this company, and other companies when we were at national convention that this is the opportune time to do it, from September to December is the opportune time to look for a superintendent and find one.” Brungardt added that allows time for the new superintendent to become oriented to the school district, and gives the district that person is leaving time to find another superintendent.

In August the Board will consider formally approving the search timeline, the outlets for advertising the vacancy, the online application form and the salary and fringe benefit range.

During the search the community and school district personnel would be involved in giving input in what is desired in a new superintendent. Those groups could range from central office and building administrators and classified personnel to teachers and community groups such as the city and county commissions, Chamber of Commerce, ethnic groups, retired communities and Fort Riley mayors.

The plan would be to bring in six to seven candidates for interviews and pare that down to two or three finalists. Those finalists could be announced and introduced publicly as the Board considers the final hire.

Current Superintendent Dr. Corbin Witt has announced his intention to retire at the end of the upcoming school year.