Goodrich- Wanted: a calm, confident superintendent with a proven track record and a sense of humor. And oh, yeah, sell your house and move to the district.
The characteristics suggested by school board members for the new district superintendent at Monday night’s board meeting may be just a little difficult to find due to a sluggish economy.
Current Superintendent Larry Allen announced his intention to step down last month and Carl Hartman from the Michigan Association of School Boards attended the school board meeting on Monday night to outline a game plan for a replacement.
Allen, 63, a former superintendent for Mt. Morris Schools, took the post after then Superintendent Kim Hart was put on an administrative leave in July 2007.
In December 2007, the board voted 7-0 to hire Allen to the district’s top spot. The contract with Allen will end June 30.
‘It’s a great time to be searching for a superintendent’there’s a few months until classes begin in September,? said Hartman. ‘However, given the state of the economy, it’s tough for a superintendent to sell their home and relocate.
Many are just hunkering down where they are at and just not moving.?
Hartman believes the number of applicants have declined sharply from years past.
‘Just a few years ago, we’d have 80 or more applications in for superintendent positions statewide. Today, maybe 18 apply. It’s just an uncertain world out there and many sit tight.?
Due to the state of the economy, Hartman suggested to the board a controlled search where a few selected candidates will be asked to apply for the district top spot.
‘There’s no external posting right now,? said Hartman. ‘It’s similar to head hunting? we will encourage a select few to apply. Goodrich is a unique district. Larry Allen and I know of a few with a good track record who are doing a good job in their district right now.?
Hartman said he hopes to have a few candidates back to the board by March 6. The public will be invited to review candidates at a future date.
Hartman added that typically districts assist in relocating superintendents when they move to a new district. The extent will be up to the school board.