By Bill Petzold
Editor
CARO — The Caro Community Schools board of education listened to three presentations Monday by representatives for companies that assist schools with superintendent searches.
John Males of Michigan Association of School Boards, Dr. Tim Edwards of Michigan Leadership Institute and Dr. Larry Allen of NorthStar Staffing, Inc. spoke. Each was allotted a half hour to explain to the board how their company could assist in helping to find a replacement for Bruce Nelson, Caro’s superintendent who will retire at the end of the year.
The board briefly discussed an offer for the district to conduct its own search, but board members unanimously stated their desire to hire an outside staffing company to serve as consultant. Board members voted 5-0 to hire MASB for $6,700 plus expenses. Vice-president Dean Tomlinson and trustee Bill Thayer were unable to attend Monday’s meeting for personal reasons.
The search for a new superintendent could begin before Christmas. Board members will develop a profile of the characteristics they are looking for in an applicant. Trustee Robert Fetting said he’d like the board to consider adding representatives for the teachers, parapros and other groups of school employees — in addition to board members — to the search committee, but the board tabled the discussion until they have a chance to discuss the idea with their search consultant.
MASB will help guide the school board through the process, helping the board create its character profile for the type of person they want to lead the district, compiling a list of candidates from its database and from submitted applications and overseeing the interview process.
“Our job is to put a process in place to help you make a well-informed decision,” Males said.
Bill Petzold is the editor of the Tuscola County Advertiser. He can be reached at petzold@tcadvertiser.com.