Richland 1 board hears three superintendent search firms, moves to executive session on proposals

The Richland 1 School District Board of Commissioners heard presentations from three superintendent search firms on Jan. 23 as it prepares to replace a superintendent after a 10-year tenure; following the presentations the board voted unanimously to go into executive session for a contractual discussion about the firms' proposals.

The presentations were led by Kevin Kastner and Dr. Deborah Hill of BWP and Associates; Scott Price with the South Carolina School Boards Association (SCSBA), joined by Dr. Daryl Johnson and Judy LeGrande; and Dr. Sam DePaul and Dr. Ron Taylor representing Hazard, Young and Atia (HYA). Chairman Lomenak opened the item and explained logistics, saying the board would hear three 20-minute presentations and then ask questions.

Why it matters: The board's selection of a superintendent will set district leadership and priorities for the coming years and affect students, staff and community stakeholders across Richland County. Commissioners emphasized a target of selecting a superintendent by June or July and repeatedly pressed firms on experience recruiting leaders for districts with Richland 1's size and demographic profile.

BWP and Associates presented a four-step search process focused on a confidential search, in-depth community engagement and targeted national recruitment. Dr. Kevin Kastner, identified as a former superintendent and consultant with BWP, said, “One of the most important things that school boards do is select a superintendent.” Dr. Deborah Hill, managing director of BWP and Associates, described the firm as a “small boutique firm” that customizes searches and said the firm typically combines application review with outreach to potential candidates. BWP estimated it would likely gather substantial community input through forums and surveys and said it could present finalists on a timeline that would allow a July 1 start, while noting it would recommend extending the search if the firm judged the candidate pool insufficient.

Scott Price, executive director of the South Carolina School Boards Association, described SCSBA’s proposed, customizable process and emphasized both statewide and national recruitment channels including AASA and NASS. Price outlined SCSBA’s standard fee: a base $18,000 search fee plus estimated administrative expenses of $8,000 to $10,000, producing a total estimated cost of $18,000–$28,000. He also explained the association’s practice of keeping candidate pools confidential until finalists are named, then complying with the state requirement to make finalist information public.

HYA’s presentation, led by Dr. Sam DePaul and Dr. Ron Taylor, emphasized a research-based engagement phase including a stakeholder survey and extensive focus groups. Taylor described HYA’s national recruiting reach and retention statistics, saying the firm places candidates from nationwide networks and noting its track record and support resources for transition and onboarding. HYA described a board portal to share documents and candidate materials and said it conducts behavioral assessments and third-party background checks for finalists.

Commissioners asked each firm whether it had handled searches for districts comparable in size and diversity to Richland 1 (the board noted the district is roughly 78% African American). Each firm said it had done searches in a range of district sizes and that the leadership-profile and community engagement phases would be used to ensure candidates have relevant experience with comparable communities. BWP said it has worked in nearby South Carolina districts; SCSBA pointed to statewide networks and national advertising; HYA described its research tools and the survey it uses to build a leadership profile.

Votes at a glance - Motion to adopt the meeting agenda: moved by Commissioner Bishop, seconded by Commissioner Devine; carried 6-0 (aye votes by Chairman Lomenak, Commissioners Bishop, Devine, Clyburn, Moore and Hyrsti). The board recorded the vote and adopted the agenda before the presentations. - Motion to enter executive session for a contractual discussion regarding search firm proposals (agenda item 5.01): moved by Commissioner Moore, seconded by Commissioner Clyburn; carried unanimously. The board entered executive session to discuss contract matters related to the search firms' proposals.

The board noted it had six of seven commissioners present; Commissioner Weston was absent. After the presentations and a brief public exchange of questions and answers the board moved to executive session to discuss contractual terms and next steps. The meeting record shows commissioners will continue deliberations in executive session and then return with any formal action as needed.