Seattle School Board names two confidential finalists in superintendent search
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Summary
The Seattle School Board voted unanimously to advance two anonymous candidates to the final phase of the district's superintendent search, instructing the search firm to perform background and reference checks and scheduling finalist interviews.
The Seattle School Board voted unanimously Friday to advance two finalists, identified only as candidate 7 and candidate 8, to the final phase of the district's superintendent search and to keep their identities confidential during background and reference checks.
The vote came during a special board meeting called by President Toph to confirm next steps in the closed search. President Toph moved that "the Seattle School Board select candidate number 7 and candidate number 8 to advance in the superintendent selection process with their identities remaining confidential during the final interview and due diligence phase." The motion passed on a roll-call vote with all members voting in favor.
The board said the search so far drew more than 40 applicants, of which eight were interviewed over two days. The application period closed on Sept. 15, the board said; after initial interviews and deliberations, the board identified two candidates it believes should move forward. The board is working with search firm HYA to complete reference and background checks for each finalist and will require each finalist to present a 100-day plan to the board in executive session as part of the final evaluation.
Board members emphasized the process has been shaped by community input. President Toph noted more than 3,000 students, families, staff and community members contributed to a leadership profile that guided candidate evaluation. The board said keeping finalist names confidential was intended to protect candidates who currently hold leadership positions in other districts and to promote a professional, fair process.
The motion did not name a seconder in the public record; staff conducted a roll-call after the motion. Recorded votes were: Vice President Bridal, aye; Director Clark, aye; Director Hersey, aye; Director Mizrahi, aye; Director Rankin, aye; Director Sarju, yes; President Toph, aye. The board announced the motion passed unanimously.
The board said the finalists will proceed to additional due diligence steps before public disclosure; no date for public interviews or a final hiring decision was provided at the meeting. The special meeting lasted about 10 minutes and included only the superintendent-selection action item before adjournment.
