The Ohio School Boards Association's search services can help your board and administration organize a search process and find highly qualified candidates for superintendent, treasurer, business manager or principal vacancies.

OSBA administrative searches

The selection of key administrators is one of the most important tasks of a school board. The board's decision will affect the school system for many years. Well organized, thoughtful board participation is crucial to the process. Superintendents face a similar challenge when deciding whom to recommend to the board for employment as a principal. School boards and superintendents should start their search for a new administrator with a call to the Ohio School Boards Association.

OSBA search consultants are available to meet with the board to explain the options. Written proposals can be sent in advance of the meeting. There is no charge nor obligation for this preliminary meeting.

While OSBA search consultants offer advice and recommendations, the district, in every instance, makes the final decision. OSBA believes that a search process, in which the school board retains control, will have the most success.

OSBA's administrative search services were introduced in 1981. Since then, over 700 searches have been conducted by the association. Our track record is excellent and references are always available. This service reflects OSBA's long-term commitment to strong, mutually beneficial board-administrator relationships.

The Standard Search process

When employed on a search, OSBA provides advice, assistance and training for the entire board throughout the process. The Standard Search process for hiring a superintendent, treasurer, or business manager includes:

Planning the search

A consultant will meet with your board to discuss key areas of the search, such as:

• brochure development
• district issues, board expectations and qualifications criteria;
• community and staff involvement;
• search timetable;
• advertising;
• treatment of inside candidates;
• compensation and contract issues.

Developing a candidate profile

In addition to the board's input on the profile of an ideal candidate, OSBA can conduct focus groups with administrators, teachers, support staff and/or community members to gain their input. The resulting profile, coupled with the board's input, serves as a benchmark throughout the search process.

Advertising and the application process

OSBA, in conjunction with the board, will develop and distribute a search brochure describing the district, community, selection criteria, timetable and the application process.

The brochure is posted on numerous websites, and is distributed to all Ohio school districts, as well as professional associations, placement offices, and other regional and national organizations. OSBA maintains a complete file on each applicant and handles all inquiries.

Screening candidates

OSBA will assemble an impartial screening committee to objectively review all applications and develop a consensus list of those candidates who best meet the qualifications criteria. The OSBA search consultant then meets with the board to present a written screening committee report, plan the interviews, and discuss reference-checking procedures and the community visit option.

Interviewing candidates

Interviews are arranged for the board and candidates by OSBA. Suggested formats and procedures, including sample questions and assessment forms, are also provided to the board. Training on interviewing techniques is available.

Reference checking

The board must become actively involved in the reference checking process in order to build confidence and ownership into the final decision. OSBA will provide the board with names, telephone numbers, tips, possible questions and record-keeping forms. OSBA can also recommend an outside organization that the board may contract with for an additional fee to conduct thorough background checks.

Developing an effective contract

OSBA can provide sample contracts. In addition, your OSBA search consultant can research and report to the board data regarding salary, fringe benefits and contract terms.

Team-building workshops

Increasingly, boards contract with OSBA to facilitate a team-building retreat after their search is completed. Such retreats are an excellent opportunity to develop effective job descriptions and evaluation procedures, discuss major issues and mutual expectations, and to build the foundation for a strong working relationship.

Options

Additional options may include:

• Indepth in-service covering aspects of the interview process
• Multiple day focus group meetings
• Community liaison sevices
• Negotiating an administrator contract on behalf of the board
• Participating with the board during the interviewing phase of the search process
• Other services deemed necessary by the board to conclude the search process

Why choose OSBA?

• OSBA approaches the process from a board's perspective, ensuring complete board control.
• OSBA can custom design a search program to meet the needs of your board of education.
• OSBA can conduct focus groups of staff, community members, administrators and board members during the assessment process.
• OSBA provides an objective evaluation of candidates by an experienced screening team.
• OSBA employs staff, trained and available to assist in the search, including legal support.
• OSBA is capable of conducting a comprehensive regional or nationwide search.
• OSBA can provide training in goal setting, team building and evaluation procedures.
• OSBA provides quality service at an affordable rate, without sacrificing quality.
• OSBA is your association with a long-term commitment to the successful operation of your district.

For more information or to arrange consultation services, please contact:

Myths about OSBA Searches Services
OSBA



©Ohio School Boards Association, 2007