MSBA outlines superintendent search steps; board agrees to screening and performance-event plan

The Grain Valley R-V Board received an update on its superintendent search from the Missouri School Boards' Association and approved adding a performance component and personality assessment for finalists while keeping initial screening by Zoom.

Dr. Coward, the MSBA search consultant, said the job posting went live Sept. 5, a community survey is open, and a public forum is scheduled for Oct. 7. She proposed three enhancements to the district’s screening process: move initial screening interviews in person (at the candidate’s choice), require an Advanced Insights personality assessment for finalists, and include a performance event as part of finalist interviews to evaluate analytical and presentation skills. "I would actually like to work with Dr. Willie and his team to identify what would be the most important in Grain Valley to do for that," she said.

Board members discussed fairness and logistics. Several directors preferred keeping initial screenings by Zoom to avoid creating an unfair advantage for candidates who can travel; others supported inviting finalists for in-person sessions. The board agreed to keep the first-round screenings on Zoom, require the Advanced Insights (a DISC-like assessment) for finalists, and add a performance event during finalist interviews. The board also agreed to extend finalist-interview time beyond the typical one-hour slot to accommodate the performance event and candidate questions.

Nut graf: The MSBA-led process will combine a public forum, detailed reference checks, a personality assessment for finalists, and a performance task during finalist interviews; the board weighed candidate equity, travel logistics and timing in choosing Zoom for first-round interviews and extended in-person finalist interviews.

Process and schedule: The search posting and community input phase are underway, with screening interviews slated for early December, finalist activities and assessments to follow, and the board aiming to complete the process before the December break if possible. MSBA said finalists will be asked to complete the Advanced Insights assessment and be evaluated in a structured performance event; finalists’ references will be checked both from provided contacts and through independent outreach.

Ending: Board members said they would continue to refine logistics and performance-event content with MSBA and district leadership ahead of the December screening and finalist interviews.