District has options in search for new superintendent

High on the list of things to do for the school board is to find a new superintendent.

Present superintendent, Dr. Dennis Carlson, has indicated to the board that he plans to retire when his contract is up, June 30, 2016. Carlson has been in the district for five years.

That item will likely be on the agenda when the board meets Nov. 30.

The board has several options, including the hiring of a search consultant to assist them.

When school board members attended the Washington State School Directors meeting last week in Bellevue, they had an opportunity to meet with search consultants. That could cost the district $5,000 – $7,000.

Other options include advertising the position, with the board members reviewing and checking on the candidates themselves.

Another option is to encourage known qualified individuals to apply for the position.

The school board could also have the option of hiring within the district.

Board member Ken Stanger suggested that the board ask a representative from its educational service district to assist in developing the process.

Stanger said the actual search effort will likely begin right after the first of the year. Candidates could then be interviewed by spring.