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Search narrows: Polk board identifies semifinalists for general counsel, schedules next rounds
Summary
After a nationwide search, the board and its recruiter narrowed a 14-person applicant pool and agreed on a list of semifinalists to be invited to submit questionnaires and recorded interviews; staff outlined a timeline for video pre-interviews and Apr. 15–16 finalist interviews.
The Polk County School Board on Feb. 25 reviewed results of a national recruitment for the district’s general counsel and, by consensus, advanced a group of semifinalists for further vetting.
Recruiter Thomas (search consultant) told the board 14 candidates had applied and he had expanded outreach to include Florida Bar members working in local government. The board reviewed short biographies and resumes; many candidates have experience as in-house counsel for school districts, municipal governments or state agencies.
After an in‑meeting scoring exercise, the board identified the semifinalist pool that staff will invite to complete written questionnaires, stage‑1 media searches and pre-recorded video responses. The district plans to receive completed candidate materials by March 9, circulate those materials to board members on or about March 11, and reconvene for a mezzanine review on March 25. Mr. Thomas said the board will aim to select three to five finalists for on‑site interviews.
The board has tentatively scheduled on‑site finalist interviews for April 15–16. The two‑day format will include candidate meet-and-greets with senior staff, a public presentation and board interviews; the final appointment and contract negotiation would follow the board’s selection of a finalist.
Semifinalists the board agreed to advance for further review (alphabetical): Adam Patton; Alero Afajuco; Bradley Butler Jr.; Carl Brody; James (Jim) Green; Jasmine Gibbs; Jerry (Ray) Poole; Kevin Henson; and Matt (Matthew) Kappas. The board discussed one additional applicant, a candidate with an extensive New York‑area education-law background who plans to take the Florida bar exam in July; several board members said a candidate must hold Florida bar membership to satisfy the minimum qualification.
Why it matters: the general counsel will advise the superintendent and the board on legal matters ranging from contract law to student discipline and will oversee outside counsel and public-records processes. The board agreed on a public schedule for next steps that includes video pre‑interviews and staged media/background checks.
