Search for new superintendent begins

The Missouri School Board Association will help conduct the search for a new superintendent for Cape Girardeau schools, the board of education decided Wednesday night.

Current superintendent Dr. David Scala announced Oct. 15 his intent to retire this summer.

Board members said the search process will need to begin soon as the candidate pool continues to dwindle. Board member Kyle McDonald said there are 20 Missouri districts looking for a superintendent, while a year ago there were only six.

Compounding the issue is a lower number of overall applicants this year, said Dr. Jerry Waddle, who will lead the search on behalf of MSBA.

A candidate could be hired by January at a cost of 8 percent of the first year's contracted salary of the new superintendent, plus search expenses capped at $1,200. Scala made $135,150 during the 2006-2007 school year. Eight percent of that would be $10,812. The price could be higher if the board decides to raise the starting salary of a new superintendent. Members said this would be determined after a needs assessment, the first step in the process.

Three focus group sessions will be held -- for board members, selected community representatives, and a group of administrators and teachers -- to determine desired characteristics in a candidate.

These groups could potentially meet as soon as this month, and are expected to take about two weeks.

Recruiting and the evaluation of candidates takes about six weeks, followed generally by two weeks of interviews and eventually contract negotiation.

MSBA performs 25 to 30 superintendent searches a year, and was used to recruit Scala in 2005. Service includes compiling focus group summaries, developing advertising to announce the opening, conducting initial interviews of candidates, and helping the board with interview questions and techniques.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 123