Superintendent Update as of March 10, 2010:

At the Board Human Resource’s Committee Meeting held on Monday March 8, 2010, PA People Solutions reviewed the progress to date that they have made on the superintendent’s search.

There have been 30 requests for application, about half from within PA, and the rest from states such as NJ, MA, MD, and WI. In addition, approximately 12 are currently working as Superintendents at other school districts.

March 9th remains the "cut off date" for application packets.

The search firm reviewed with the board a summary of Focus Group input.

Superintendent Search Process – Next Steps

Memos Discussed with the Board from PA People Solutions on Monday February 8th

Superintendent Update as of January 21, 2010:

All focus groups have met with PA People Solutions and the notes taken by our consultants have been sent to the participants for review.  The notes will then be summarized and given to the Board.  The questions asked by the consultants have been posted to the web for anyone who would like to reply to Dr. Scott with their thoughts.  Anyone completing the survey must submit his or her name and address for future contact.

Advertising for the position has begun within the district, valley, state, and nation.  The deadline for application requests has been set to March 9, 2010.  To date the consultants have received 7 requests for application.

PA People Solutions will be in attendance at the February 8, 2010 Human Recourses Committee Meeting to update the Board and recommend the next steps that need to be taken.

Superintendent Update as of December 14, 2009:

The meetings between school-based groups have begun.

BASD Board of School Directors is asking for community volunteers to attend group sessions with PA People Solutions. We are looking for 20 –25 volunteers to attend one of two working sessions. Any individual interested in participating or any group wanting to send representatives please register on the BASD web site or call the education center. The only criteria are that you are a resident of BASD. Information needed is: name, address, phone number, the date of the session you'd like to attend, and name of group you are representing (if applicable). These sessions will be held January 7th at the Education Center and January 11th at Broughal Middle School. Both sessions will begin at 6:30 pm and should last 2 hours. These meetings are between the consultants and the volunteers, no board members or administrators will be in attendance assuring a free exchange of dialog.

Contact information to sign up: e-mail - bclymer@bethsd.org
phone - 610-861-0500, ext. 60250

The Board will be meeting with PA People Solutions on December 21st for an Executive Session. Our Solicitor has reviewed the agenda and has agreed the content of the meeting is appropriate for an executive session.

The current time line is:

Interviews with groups – December/January
Advertise – January/February
Interview – February/March
Hire – April
New Superintendent begin – July

Superintendent Update as of December 1, 2009:

The Board has approved the hire of PA People's Solutions Inc. as our consultant to help in the process of searching for a new superintendent. PA People's Solutions will be meeting with stake holders throughout December and January to compile input on desired traits of a superintendent. The consultants are beginning to contact some of the school based groups and will be setting dates in January for general community input.

To keep clear communication with all, Irene Follweiler, HR Committee Chair, will be giving a brief report at each Regular Board Meeting both verbally and in writing. Additional reports or Web updates will be given more often if activity requires.

Dr. Lewis has announced his intention to retire, and therefore, the School Board will be conducting a search for a new superintendent. Dr. Lewis will remain as active superintendent through September 26, 2009, after which he will take his accumulated vacation days and remain as superintendent of record until January 2, 2010. In order to provide leadership for BASD during the search for a new superintendent, the Board intends to appoint an interim superintendent. The interim will commence employment with the district sometime during the summer to allow for an effective transition, and will remain with the district until a new superintendent is in place, which is expected to be a date between January 2, 2010 and July 1, 2010.

Why an interim superintendent?

It's a timing issue. While quality superintendent candidates may come to our attention at any time, many such candidates would not be looking during the summer months to make a career move. During these months, a candidate who is currently a superintendent is working on plans for the upcoming year, defining goals, tracking summer work in the buildings, making sure the schools have the staff and materials they need in order to open schools at full strength in September. A superintendent who is considering a move would generally wait until mid-year, well after the school year has begun and before end-of-the-year closeout responsibilities consume his/her attention. From now until a new superintendent is hired, we will need someone who has the skills but is not looking to make a permanent move. Once an interim is chosen, we will begin work on the selection of a new superintendent, and having an interim in place will allow us adequate time to be sure we are finding the best candidate for our district.

What are the pros and cons of an interim superintendent?

The downside is that an interim position is temporary. The learning curve for an individual new to the district means that some projects may be placed on hold until new leadership is appointed. This will not be the case here. The BASD School Board has, with the input of the public, concentrated on finding an interim superintendent who is familiar with BASD and can hit the ground running, giving attention to our most pressing needs. Further on the plus side, appointing an interim buys the district critical time to do a thorough and thoughtful search for a new superintendent while enjoying steady, capable, and proven leadership. Many interim superintendents have already served many years as superintendent.

How are we conducting the search for a new superintendent?

The School Board will be interviewing a number of search firms, then deciding whether to select one to act as its agent in a national search. These firms have a defined process for guiding the Board in determining what the district seeks in an ideal candidate and will work to attract the largest pool of candidates possible.

How can I stay informed?

By watching for updates on the district website.

Townhall Meeting Minutes
June 1, 2009

Search Firm Interview: Dr. William Leary
August 24, 2009

Search Firm Interview: Pennsylvania People Solutions Inc.
October 14, 2009