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Board plans formal search; invites bids after Illinois Association of School Boards presents search services
Summary
The board heard a full presentation from the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) on superintendent search services and agreed to solicit proposals from multiple firms rather than immediately hiring IASB.
The Rockford Public Schools Board of Education heard a detailed presentation from the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) about conducting a superintendent search and decided to issue a request for proposals (RFP) to multiple firms.
Carmen Ayala, representing IASB and introduced as a former Illinois state superintendent, outlined IASB's nationwide recruiting network, bilingual survey options and a base search package priced at $20,250 with a contract cap of $35,000. Ayala said IASB distributes vacancy notices across a 39‑state affiliation and to more than 7,000 educational leaders and highlighted a new application system used across 17 states.
Doctor Vic Zimmerman, an IASB consultant and retired superintendent, described the search steps: stakeholder surveys and optional focus groups, development of an ideal candidate profile, national advertising, screening and verification of applicants, Zoom screening interviews, a slate of finalists for board interviews, optional stakeholder interview sessions of semifinalists, and a post‑hire board‑superintendent workshop. Ayala noted IASB’s guarantee: if a superintendent leaves during the first year, IASB will re‑run the search the following year with no additional fee.
Board reaction and decision: trustees acknowledged the presentation but several members urged competitive consideration of other firms. Director Paul Carpenter and Vice President Kim McCall asked to solicit multiple proposals; other trustees said the search is the board’s most important decision and they wanted to compare options. The board agreed to proceed with a formal RFP process, with a small subcommittee to draft the specifications and a deadline for board members to submit input.
Why it matters: Superintendent selection sets district direction and priorities, including literacy and equity work highlighted elsewhere in the meeting. The board discussed timing with the goal of participating in the “first wave” of national searches this summer when many candidates are most available.
What comes next: trustees instructed staff to prepare RFP specifications and outreach to known search firms, with two board members to work with staff on the draft. Board members were given a one‑week window to submit suggested specifications for inclusion in the RFP.
