Kansas district evaluates superintendents twice yearly amid concerns over excessive reporting

The Ogden City School District Board of Education convened on May 1, 2025, to discuss various topics, with a significant focus on the evaluation process for the superintendent. The meeting began with a review of the current evaluation practices and the potential for adjustments.

One board member expressed concerns about the frequency of evaluations, referencing a model from a Kansas district where superintendents are evaluated twice a year and required to provide weekly feedback on their goals. This approach was deemed excessive by some members, who suggested that a quarterly evaluation might be more appropriate. The board discussed the idea of establishing three main goals for the superintendent to work on throughout the year, with bi-monthly updates on progress.

The conversation highlighted the challenges of maintaining a rigorous evaluation schedule, with one member recalling past experiences where evaluations felt overwhelming and time-consuming. They emphasized the importance of relying on existing reports, such as the state of the district report and departmental updates, as effective tools for assessing the superintendent's performance.

The board acknowledged that while goal-setting is important, the current system already provides sufficient feedback on the superintendent's effectiveness. Members expressed a desire to avoid a situation where tracking goals becomes a full-time job for board members. The discussion concluded with a consensus that the state of the district report, released in the fall, serves as a valuable indicator of progress and performance.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to finding a balanced approach to superintendent evaluations, ensuring accountability while avoiding unnecessary administrative burdens. Further discussions on this topic are anticipated as the board seeks to refine its evaluation process.