Francis Howell board narrows superintendent search plan; opts for confidential search and stakeholder engagement

The Francis Howell R-III Board of Education heard a full overview of its spring superintendent search from consultants Kevin O’Meara and Diane Robertson of School Exec Connect on Jan. 2, 2025, who recommended a confidential, nationally advertised search with multiple stakeholder engagement steps and a compressed timeline that aims for a hire in mid-to-late March.

The consultants proposed a four-stage search: (1) set process and timeline, (2) build a candidate profile using focus groups and an online survey, (3) recruit and screen applicants nationally and locally, and (4) run multi-stage interviews that produce a 3‑to‑5 finalist slate for the board. The consultants told the board they typically present a slate of five to seven candidates for initial interviews, then help the board narrow to three finalists.

Why it matters: hiring a superintendent is the district’s principal personnel decision and shapes district leadership, budget priorities and strategic direction. The board’s choices now – whether the search is confidential or open, how stakeholders participate and how the district advertises – set the timeline and which candidates will apply.

Key decisions and timeline

- Confidential vs. open search: School Exec Connect recommended a confidential search (consultant Kevin O’Meara and partner Diane Robertson explained that confidentiality typically yields more candidates; an open search names finalists publicly and can invite broader public input). Board…