After botched start, Mpls. considers changes to superintendent search process
After a botched beginning, the Minneapolis school board is weighing how to find candidates for a new superintendent. Two of three former finalists are no longer in the running. Now the board has to decide what to do next.
The board ended contract negotiations with top candidate Sergio Paez in the wake of allegations that special needs children were abused in a school in his district in Massachusetts. And interim Superintendent Michael Goar bowed out over the weekend, saying he didn't want his candidacy to be a distraction.
Board Chair Jenny Arneson said the process may change to be less public.
"One suggestion that we have is keeping the semifinalist piece private, which therefore increases the likelihood that professionals are willing to apply if we can protect their names just slightly longer and decrease the risk that their current jobs would be in jeopardy," Arneson said.
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In November, when semifinalists were announced, search firm HYA said several good candidates decided not to apply or withdrew applications when they learned they would be named.
Arneson said the board would like to use a new search firm, which she did not name. That search firm would need to work quickly: Arneson said the goal is to have a new superintendent in place by July.
"When we began this process, not quite a year ago, our original timeline was by summer. And so we're operating with that timeline and moving backwards."
Board Member Tracine Asberry wondered about addressing how candidates will view the job and the district, especially on that short timeline.
"We've got someone whose coming into a situation. They've probably stayed up to date in the media. They know that we have an interim in place. we're going into the budget cycle," Asberry said.
And several board members asked that the public be more engaged in parts of the process.
Board Member Josh Reimnitz proposed ways to help focus on the type of person they're looking for.
"I'd be interested in the board hosting a conversation or several, in different locations, to ensure we are understanding the values that comprise the desired characteristics," Reimnitz said.
After vetting candidates and cutting down that list, he said the public could help interview finalists.
Even though the board didn't agree on how involved parents and others would be, Board Member Siad Ali said it will be crucial for building public trust.
"We have to slow down, we have to unite for the sake of the children. And we have to do a good job this time."
A vote on the proposed superintendent search process is scheduled for Feb. 16.
In the meantime, Goar is expected to remain as the interim until a new superintendent is named.
MPR News reporter Solvejg Wastvedt contributed to this report.