Published: May 01, 2008 11:10 am            

Community input needed for superintendent search

CLINTON — The Clinton School Board is asking for community input in the district’s search for a new superintendent.

Board members hope to have a new administrative leader chosen by July 1, following Superintendent Randy Clegg’s recent resignation that takes effect June 30.

The board has contracted with educational search firm School Exec Connect, and consultants Linda Hanson and Eric Witherspoon have devised a survey form for parents, staff and community members to answer questions and provide feedback on desired qualities in a new superintendent.

“To find a superintendent who is a good match for our district, we would appreciate your input,” states a letter to the public written on behalf of the board. “Please share your thinking to assist us in finding our next school leader.”

Community members will have until May 22 to submit the questionnaire, which asks participants to list the district’s greatest strengths and weaknesses, as well as important goals for the future. Completed forms may be faxed, e-mailed or brought back to the superintendent’s office at Roosevelt. All responses will be confidential, and Hanson and Witherspoon will summarize the feedback and present the information to the board.

The survey can be accessed on the district’s Web site at www.clinton.k12.ia.us by clicking on the green “Superintendent Search” icon in the upper right corner of the page. Copies will also be available at the Roosevelt Administration Center, located at 600 S. Fourth St., as well as all Clinton school buildings.

Board members have opted to conduct a closed first round of interviews, based on Hanson and Witherspoon’s recommendation that confidentiality be granted to those interested in applying in order to solicit the strongest pool of applicants. The deadline for candidate applications is June 1, and the firm will present its selected candidates to the board on June 10. Initial interviews are set to take place June 11 to 13.

The final three candidates will be presented to the public, and two committees composed of community members and district staff will be invited to assist in the final round of interviews, scheduled for June 16, 18 and 19.

Questions regarding the search may be directed to Hanson at lhanson@schoolexecconnect.com or Witherspoon at witherspoone@eths.k12.il.us.

        

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