Search firms say MFISD could have new superintendent by fall
MARBLE FALLS — The Marble Falls Independent School District could land a new superintendent as early as Aug. 31 or Nov. 1, according to two search firms vying for a contract from trustees.
"But that’s really compressed," said Joe Dan Lee of the Texas Association of School Boards Executive Search Services regarding the August date. "This is something you don’t want to hurry. This is going to be the most important decision you have to make when replacing a real good superintendent."
The School Board is considering hiring Lee’s company or Horn, Smith, Wood & Preston LLC to assist in the search to find a replacement for Superintendent Ryder Warren, who has accepted the top job at Midland Independent School District.
He takes over July 1. The interim superintendent already named by the MFISD board is veteran school administrator Jim Boyle of Burnet.
James Smith of Horn and associates said it’s possible to find a viable candidate for the district by Oct. 1, but Nov. 1 is more realistic.
Representatives from both firms Monday night told the board it wouldn’t be difficult finding applicants for the permanent slot.
"People are already asking us about it," Lee said.
Smith, whose firm assisted the last time MFISD looked for a superintendent, said they received 108 applicants prior to Warren accepting the position in 2003.
That’s the most the firm has ever recorded for a superintendent spot, he said, adding most openings result in 30 to 40 applicants.
"This is a premier job," said Jenny Preston of Horn, Smith, Wood & Preston LLC. "The minute word went out that MFISD was looking, lots of (superintendents) across Texas, and the nation, looked up."
The Class 4A school district has seven campuses and about 4,000 students.
Both firms outlined their process to find good candidates if trustees hire them.
Preston said her firm would conduct a needs assessment and develop a superintendent profile with input from the community, staff, board and administration .
"We will be in your district," she said. "We’ll meet face-to-face. That face time is very important to us."
The TASB search follows a similar pattern, including holding a planning session with the board and then developing a leadership profile using suggestions from the community, staff and administrators. Lee said they also use an online survey for those who can’t make a meeting where an applicant is introduced.
"Our job is to talk to the people who are not looking for jobs," Preston said. "That’s when our recruiting starts — we look for the best of the best."
Smith said when his firm conducts a search, about half the candidates school boards end up interviewing didn’t originally apply for the position. He noted Warren was a non-applicant for the MFISD position.
"The last time (MFISD searched for a superintendent) Ryder didn’t want to apply," Smith said. The board went through the search process and named a lone finalist. But during the 21-day grace period, the candidate backed out and Ryder was contacted.
Lee said TASB has representatives are familiar with superintendents across the state, so if they know one who would make a good choice for MFISD they encourage him or her to apply.
Both firms wouldn’t hold back any applications from the board.
Lee said the search firm helps the board narrow the list of applicants to six the trustees want to interview. Three are drawn from that list for a second round of interviews, then the board names a finalist.
At that point, two or three board members visit the applicant’s current district to talk with staff, community members and administrators about the candidate’s performance.
"It’s a tough, but very thorough, process," Lee said. "The last thing we want is something to come out in those 21 days that you or we didn’t know about."
Smith said his firm takes the search both seriously and personally.
"We’re as concerned about assisting you to find a superintendent as you are," he said. "We lose sleep over (the search)."
The board could name a search firm June 21.