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Search narrows to two finalists; District 128 advisory interviews scheduled
Summary
The board heard an update from search consultant Joe Porto on the superintendent search: 22 applicants yielded six semifinalists and two finalists; advisory interviews and final board interviews are scheduled Jan. 30-31.
District 128's superintendent search moved closer to a finish this week as search consultant Joe Porto told the board Monday that two finalists have been identified and final interviews are scheduled for the end of the month.
Porto, representing the search firm the board engaged, said the process began in September and that 22 applicants ultimately produced a pool of 14 screened candidates, six semifinalists and now two finalists.
"We started this process in September and the finish line is actually in sight," Porto told the board, summarizing a multi-step process of community input, a leadership profile and candidate screening. He said the leadership profile, developed through interviews and community outreach, guided recruitment and interview questions.
As part of the next steps, both finalists will meet privately with an advisory committee of about 12 people that includes district office representatives, staff association representatives and board candidates. Porto said confidentiality is important to attract sitting superintendents to apply and that advisory-group participants will be asked to sign confidentiality agreements and to provide written feedback.
The board will conduct final interviews for the two finalists on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31 and expects to reach consensus and proceed to an offer and contract after those interviews.
Board member Jim Batson thanked Porto and his team for the structured process and the degree of community engagement. Porto said the process remained on the timeline the board set in September, and he urged consistency with the leadership profile in final interviews so candidate assessments align with community priorities.
No formal board vote occurred Monday related to the search; the board will complete its final interviews and consider an employment offer after the advisory feedback and round-two interviews.
