PCSSD board approves superintendent search timeline, sends ethics resolution to state and hears warning on budget decline

The Pulaski County Special School District board on March 11 approved a calendar and interview protocols for choosing a new superintendent, authorized staff to seek state review of a consultant contract that requires ethics clearance, approved several facilities items, and heard a finance briefing that projected a materially lower legal fund balance at year-end.

Board members voted to accept the search firm's proposed timetable and interview rules. Trustees agreed to aim to select semifinalists by March 31 and to hold finalist interviews on April 9–10, with two-hour interviews per candidate and each board member submitting three questions for candidates. Wayne (search firm representative) told the board the firm will return reference summaries and short videos of shortlisted applicants to assist the board’s review. The board adopted protocols to keep interviews consistent and lawful.

On a separate vote the board approved a resolution and contract to seek state ethics approval for a short-term consultant engagement with Rita Guess, who is married to Interim Superintendent Doctor Guess. The contract limits duties, authorizes up to $100 per hour, and caps the engagement at $24,800 (the threshold for not requiring a competitive bid). Legal counsel’s guidance and the state process will…