McPherson & Jacobson outline rapid interim superintendent search; board signals willingness to allow interim to apply for permanent role

The board engaged McPherson & Jacobson (consultants Doug Nelson and Mike) to run an expedited search for an interim superintendent, and the firm presented a proposed calendar, outreach and interview plan at the May 12 meeting.

Consultants said the timeline would aim to close applications on June 2, conduct screening and background checks, and present a shortlist to the board at a June 9 meeting. Finalist interviews would follow the shortlist meeting; consultants proposed that the board conduct finalist interviews in executive session and then convene an open meeting to take action. The firm recommended advertising across Oregon venues (COSA, OSBA), the Washington Association of School Administrators, the firm’s own national/international listings and local news outlets. Consultants also proposed an online stakeholder survey (four short questions) to gather community input; the board asked that the survey be offered in English and Spanish and widely publicized through district channels, ParentSquare and the local newspaper.

Board members discussed whether an interim superintendent should be eligible to apply for the permanent position. The board reached consensus that interim candidates could also apply for the permanent opening, noting pros and cons of that choice and that timing of the permanent search could be adjusted if necessary. Consultants recommended a shortlisting to a small number of candidates (typically 5–6) and bringing 3 finalists to interview.

Consultants and the board also discussed compensation and the job description. The board signaled it would advertise a total-compensation figure (salary plus stipends for travel, technology and a tax‑sheltered annuity) not to exceed the district’s currently budgeted superintendent compensation for 2025–26; the exact total-compensation figure was to be confirmed the next day by district staff. Consultants said candidate materials would include video interviews and suggested a short (10-minute) presentation for finalists on priorities drawn from the stakeholder survey. The board and consultants agreed on a communication protocol that would route time-sensitive questions through the board chair while bringing major decisions to the full board.

The board did not take a formal vote on the consultants’ recommendations at the May 12 meeting but provided consensus direction to proceed with the accelerated interim search calendar, stakeholder survey, advertising venues and to advertise total compensation not to exceed the budgeted amount for 2025–26.