MSBA presents superintendent search findings to Grain Valley R-V board
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Summary
Dr. Scott Cowherd of the Missouri School Boards' Association told the Grain Valley R-V board the district received 190 survey responses and input from multiple stakeholder forums, and that respondents want a visible, student-centered superintendent who can recruit and retain staff, strengthen communication and maintain the district's community character.
Dr. Scott Cowherd of the Missouri School Boards' Association presented results of the district's closed superintendent search process, summarizing feedback from 190 survey respondents and a series of stakeholder forums held with the Chamber of Commerce, academic leadership, operations staff, the teachers' union, booster club members and community participants.
Cowherd said the largest group of survey respondents were parents, followed by teachers and support staff, and that stakeholders repeatedly identified the district's small-town community feel, caring teachers and high academic standards as strengths. He listed the top challenges the search feedback surfaced: compensation and retention of teachers, inconsistent communication districtwide, increased student behavior concerns following the pandemic, and the need to address equity as the district changes demographically.
Survey respondents and forum participants ranked the most important professional traits for a new superintendent as building a positive culture and climate for staff, recruiting and retaining effective teachers, and promoting a community of care for students. Personal traits the community emphasized included approachability and accessibility, ethics and integrity, and follow-through on strategic responsibilities. Cowherd summarized the guidance as seeking a "student-centered, visible relationship-builder who communicates transparently and executes a multi-year vision."
Cowherd said the search will use the feedback to craft screening and interview questions and reminded the board that this is a closed search. He reviewed next steps and dates: applications close Nov. 30; the board will review applicant packets on Dec. 8; screening interviews are scheduled for Dec. 11; and finalists are to be identified on Dec. 16. "This is closed — closed means closed," he said, underscoring limits on public access to candidate materials during the search.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are those who participated in the search presentation, including Dr. Cowherd and district staff who facilitated community forums. The district will receive the full survey and stakeholder materials for use in screening candidates.