Tonganoxie board hears three superintendent-search firm pitches; decision expected Monday

The Tonganoxie Board of Education heard presentations from three superintendent-search firms on Oct. 9, 2025, and told the presenters it expects to choose a vendor at its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 13.

Kansas Association of School Boards consultant Michelle Hubbard and colleague Britton Hart described a five-phase search that centers community input, a characteristics report and phased interview rounds. Hubbard told the board, “This is 1 of the most important decisions that you make as a board of education,” and urged the district to align outreach with its strategic goals.

Ray & Associates consultants Greg Baconhorst and Molly Schwarzhoff also emphasized community engagement and a structured profile-development process. Baconhorst said the firm would work from the district's strategic plan and “reach out to associates” nationwide to recruit candidates who may not be actively looking, and Schwarzhoff described use of a one-way video tool for candidate screening and a consensus-building matrix to help the board narrow semifinalists.

Grenmeier Leader Services consultants Dave Black and Trent Grenmeier presented a process that combines a stakeholder survey, tiered candidate summaries (green/yellow/red) and intensive background and social-media checks. Grenmeier said the firm prioritizes “fit,” and the proposal includes a replacement guarantee if a hire does not work out within the first year.

Why the decision matters

The board is seeking a firm to run the district's superintendent search after announcing its timeline to hire a successor. Board members repeatedly…