School Board issues timeline for superintendent search

The Madison Board of Education met with consultants Monday to set the timeline for hiring a new superintendant.

Constituent and stakeholder representatives will have the opportunity to give their input on priorities for the search in late September, before candidates are chosen. These group meetings will be held on Sept. 19, 20 and possibly 21, if they last longer than expected.

While the Board did not make a formal decision, they discussed holding a public forum with the top candidates in early February. Board members said the public should have the opportunity to meet final candidates and give input before formal job offers are issued. The Board said they would consider community input, but make the final decision themselves.

The Board also decided not to set any pre-requisites for applicants interested in applying for the position.

Preparation for the recruitment process will begin right away, but applications will not be due until Jan. 7, 2013, the Board decided. By extending the timeline into next year, they hope to attract a larger group of candidates.

Advertisements for the superintendent position will offer a salary “in the range of” $250,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package, the Board decided. The final salary will be determined by the candidate’s experience.

Consultant Gary Ray of Ray and Associates, the search firm hired to lead the search, said offering a nationally competitive salary will widen the applicant pool and encourage better qualified candidates to apply. Keeping the final amount flexible will also allow the Board to adjust the salary as necessary, he said.

The consultants present at the meeting included Ray and Dr. Vance A. Dalzin, superintendant of the Williams Bay School District.