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Lakeville board pauses RFI interviews, agrees to post superintendent opening after interim signals interest
Summary
At a Lakeville Area Schools working session, members discussed whether to hire interim superintendent Carlyle Baumann permanently or continue a public search; the board agreed to pause RFI presentations, post the vacancy for at least two weeks, and revisit the process Nov. 12.
The Lakeville Area Schools Board of Education on Monday discussed whether to keep interim superintendent Carlyle Baumann in the top job or to run a full external search, and agreed to pause finalist presentations and publicly post the superintendent vacancy for a short period before proceeding.
Chair Kim Baker opened the working session by saying the agenda paired two items: reviewing three responses to a request for information from search firms and considering Baumann’s expressed interest in the permanent role. Board members named three respondents: Ray & Associates, BWP and MSBA.
Director Carly Anderson said MSBA stood out because it allows the board to add or remove candidates from a slate and gives board members access to all applications. "We committed to a process," Anderson said, adding she hoped Baumann would formally apply and that the board should follow a robust search.
Interim Superintendent Carlyle Baumann, who offered to leave the room to allow candid discussion, said he had decided to remain in Lakeville and described his connection to the community and desire to serve. "This school system isn't an esoteric thing. It's about the people. I care deeply," he said.
Several board members voiced competing concerns. Brian Thompson reported "positive feedback" from teachers and parents about Baumann’s presence in buildings and the improving culture, while others warned that an internal candidate’s application could discourage outside candidates and reduce the applicant pool. One member noted HR and legal counsel had recommended publicly posting the vacancy to protect the district from potential discrimination claims; MSBA staff had also said an internal appointment might not require the same posting in some cases.
After discussing timing, board turnover and district needs — including facilities planning tied to enrollment growth the board said was about 700 students over four years — members agreed to pause the RFI presentations scheduled for Oct. 28 and Oct. 30, post the superintendent position for a short period (discussed as about two weeks), and bring the item back to the board’s Nov. 12 working session for further direction. No formal vote was recorded at the working session; the board described the action as pausing the RFI process and confirming next steps.
The board also asked staff to notify the firms that had responded to the RFI about the pause and to confirm next steps for interviewing or otherwise engaging vendors at a later time. The district’s next working session on the matter is scheduled for Nov. 12.
