Is the Board of Education conducting the superintendent search on its own?
The school board is working with the Capital Region BOCES central administration to conduct the confidential search.
What is a confidential superintendent search?
A confidential superintendent search means that all applicants for the position of superintendent of schools will apply directly to the BOCES consultants. BOCES and the Board of Education will work together to identify, from the entire applicant pool, who meets our criteria and who we would like to interview. The board will see ALL applications, but they will be submitted first to BOCES.
Why is a confidential search necessary?
This process is followed in order to attract sitting superintendents and other education professionals who may prefer that their candidacy for the South Colonie position not be made public. Without confidentiality, there is often a very limited pool of candidates for the position of superintendent. Conducting a confidential search increases the likelihood that the most qualified candidates will apply for the position.
Are there opportunities for public input?
Yes! With the BOCES consultants, the district released a community survey through the district website and School Messenger beginning September 25. On the survey, community members are asked to give input on the following questions:
- What are the strengths of the South Colonie Central School District?
- What needs to be improved?
- What characteristics and personal attributes should the new superintendent have?
- What will the new superintendent need to work on first?
- Do you have any additional thoughts or comments?
The survey is available online for approximately one month. A number of community focus groups are also planned for October 8, 15 and 22. All input given by the community will be taken into consideration by members of the Board of Education throughout their interviewing and vetting process.
What’s next?
Interested candidates must submit all application materials to the BOCES consultants by November 22, 2019. After that date, the search consultants and board of education begin the interview process. Selected applicants will complete at least two rounds of interviews with the board.
Once a candidate is chosen, s/he will be vetted through a process led by the BOCES team before a formal offer is made. The board expects that the new superintendent will be appointed in the spring.