The Hamilton Southeastern Board of School Trustees has engaged the University Team to help conduct the search for a new superintendent. The University Team assists many Indiana school corporations with their superintendent searches using representatives from each of the four state universities –Purdue University, Indiana University, Ball State University and Indiana State University.
Prior to hiring the University Team, a representative of the Indiana School Boards Association met with the HSE Board and provided training and guidance on the search process. Board members also sought input concerning qualifications for the new superintendent from representatives of the central office, principals and teacher’s association. In addition, a survey will be placed on the district web site in coming weeks to allow parents and community members to provide input on desired superintendent qualities before the interview process.
Dr. Betty Poindexter of Indiana University will chair the team that works with HSE. “We will help the district look for candidates both inside and outside the state,” she said. “We want to cast the net as widely as possible because the pool for outstanding applicants for superintendent positions is not deep these days.” For example, the district will place ads and postings for the job with the Indiana School Boards Association, national superintendent organizations as well as Education Week.
Once applications come in, the team will meet with the Board, review district needs and assist in matching those with available candidates. The team will also help the Board set protocol and processes to follow through the interview process. Dr. Poindexter said the Board conducts the interviews, and the team will continue to be available as a resource. She will act as a trainer/consultant for the Board throughout the entire search process. HSE pays no fee for University Team services but simply reimburses representatives for their expenses.
The timeline for the search will be as follows:
Post and receive applications – April 4-May 12, 2008
Screen applications – May 12-June 2
Interviews – June 3-15
Board confirmation – June 16
Contract begins – July 1, 2008
For more information, go to HSE’s web site (www.hse.k12.in.us) and click on Superintendent Search under “Hot Topics” for the job posting.