The Marshalltown Board of Education has selected the Omaha firm of McPherson and Jacobson to conduct a search for a new district superintendent.
The board also heard from G. Tryon and Associates. Both firms presented similar plans for a search process and both have experience in the business, McPherson since 1981 and Tryon since 2001.
“The board believes each would do a professional job," said Board President Adrienne Macmillan. "The main reason we selected McPherson and Jacobson was the depth and breadth of candidates they were able to provide to the districts that were referenced."
Two of the three districts that Macmillan called for references had pursued timelines that were as aggressive as Marshalltown’s, which also influenced the decision, she said. "The board and the firm will work collaboratively with the goal of extending an offer in early May."
The McPherson cost is $11,500 plus expenses which includes consultation at the six and 12-month marks after the superintendent is hired to help the board clarify performance objectives.
McPherson estimates the firm would spend approximately 133 hours on five phases of the search process, and the board and district staff would spend approximately 35 hours. Several board members commented on the extensive time involved.
“Experts can tap into sources and contacts that the board and administrative staff don't have access to,” Macmillan added.
McPherson & Jacobson has a national presence and the board will pursue a national search to fill the vacancy. The process includes establishing desirable qualities of a superintendent. These are arrived at through a series of focus groups with the board, staff and community groups.
The firm keeps a list of candidates willing to accept positions as interim superintendents should that become necessary. In that case, the interim candidate would serve until the search process can resume after the next calendar year.
"The hiring process requires establishing criteria to ensure we get the person our staff and community want. That's serious work that requires time and concentrated effort. If we don’t find the right person, we may have to delay hiring and look to an interim," Macmillan said.
