Parkway Schools

A Message from School Board President Bruce Major

Parkway Selects Superintendent Search Firm
August 26, 2010

As I shared with you on May 4, the school board decided to seek proposals from firms that specialize in conducting searches for school superintendents. We decided to do this because we understand the importance of finding the most qualified candidate to lead Parkway and will use the utmost diligence in the process.

After May 4, the board developed a request for proposals which was sent to eight independent search firms both here in St. Louis and around the state and country. We received proposals from all eight firms, three of which were eventually selected as finalists after an extensive review process.

At a special meeting on August 16, the board interviewed the three finalists and selected School Exec Connect, Inc. to help conduct our search. School Exec Connect is one of the Midwest’s leading superintendent search firms, and the board is very enthusiastic about their ability to help us find the best candidate for Parkway. Here is a copy of the news release we are sending out today with more information about School Exec Connect.

A superintendent search generally takes months to complete, however we intend to move as quickly as possible. The board has established a tentative timeline below and will send you more detailed information once it is developed. We will also let you know more about how we plan to seek community input this fall.

As always, we welcome your ideas and suggestions, and will continue to keep you updated on our progress.

Bruce Major, President
Parkway Board of Education

General Timeline

August
Search firm meets with the school board to establish the process, scope and preliminary timeline.

September
Search firm meets with Parkway community members and conducts surveys of stakeholder groups to develop a leadership profile containing the attributes wanted in the next superintendent.

September/October
Search process and detailed calendar of activities is posted on Parkway’s Web site and sent to parents and staff.

Search firm sends Parkway leadership profile to interested candidates and conducts preliminary screenings.

October/November
Search firm conducts face-to-face interviews with selected candidates using the criteria approved by the school board.

Final list of qualified candidates is presented to the board.

December
School board interviews top candidates and narrows field to three finalists.

Board selects confidential committee of community and staff members to participate in second round of finalist interviews.

Board conducts final interviews using feedback from confidential committee and selects the final candidate.

December/January
New superintendent of schools announced for the 2011-12 school year.