Board asked for clarity after Foundation reopens search for executive director; MOU defines hiring committee

Board members asked for clarity about the hiring process for the Leon County Schools Foundation executive director after the foundation reopened the posting and had only a small applicant pool.

District staff explained the existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Foundation: the foundation’s interview committee of five people (three non‑district foundation members and two district employees) interviews candidates and the committee’s recommendation goes to the superintendent. The superintendent then follows district hiring processes for Leon County Schools employees.

Staff said the position is a district employee role and that the MOU requires the described committee structure; the position closed and then reopened and as of the update five applicants were in the applicant‑tracking system. The district said finalists typically make a presentation to the five‑person committee as part of the vetting; board members asked whether the full board would see finalists before hire. Staff said the MOU does not require a full‑board presentation and that the committee recommendation is forwarded to the superintendent for final recommendation and hire.

Board members asked staff to provide the MOU and foundation bylaws for review to confirm whether additional board engagement or a presentation to the full board should be added to the process. The foundation’s selection timetable will be shared once the committee completes interviews; no appointment was made at the meeting.