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Board hires Illinois Association of School Boards for superintendent search; approves $14,900 package
Summary
Board approved IASB professional services agreement to begin superintendent search work, including focus groups and an online survey; consultants plan immediate start and proposed initial three in-district focus days.
The Decatur Public School District 61 Board of Education on Aug. 5 voted to hire the Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) to conduct the district’s superintendent search, approving a professional services agreement and menu of services for $14,900.
The contract passed on a 6-0 roll call with one member absent after discussion of the scope and timing of community engagement. Carmen Ayala, representing IASB, introduced herself and outlined the firm’s approach, saying her team’s work ranges from large-unit districts to smaller systems and stressing attention to equity and stakeholder fit.
Ayala said the consultants would begin work immediately: “Tomorrow? Tomorrow. Yeah. That’s one of the things we need to do. You’ll have the board action tonight,” she said, noting staff would provide contact points and that the consultants would distribute an online survey and follow up with focus groups. The proposal included a base fee (listed in the contract packet) plus a la carte consulting days; board members asked for transparency about per-day costs.
Board discussion clarified deliverables and timing: the consultants recommended 4–6 focus groups initially, with typical focus-group size of about 15–20 participants so everyone can speak. Ayala recommended the district identify participants and noted the consultants would ask the board, staff and community who should be included. Focus groups were expected to take place mid-September if lists are provided within about three weeks. An anonymous online survey would also be distributed to staff, parents and older students.
Board members and IASB agreed on starting with the base contract and adding three in-district focus-group days at $1,500 per day as an initial package. That combination produced the $14,900 figure that was presented for approval; the board motion to approve was made by Mr. Clevenger and seconded by Mr. Reynolds, and the roll call recorded six ayes, zero nays, one absent.
The board directed administration to collect candidate lists for focus groups and to work with IASB on communications. Ayala said the consultants would present initial survey results and stakeholder feedback in open session as the search advances.
