Board approves IT executive position, debates $39,000 external search
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Summary
The board approved creating an executive director of IT and its salary scale while members debated using a $39,000 outside executive-search firm versus internal HR recruitment amid budget concerns.
The Dayton Board of Education approved a resolution to establish an executive director of IT and to place that position on the district’s administrative salary scale on Dec. 16.
Board members questioned the need to add a salary-scale entry when an executive director role already exists in the district's pay table; staff clarified that creating the specific position on the scale is required before hiring. Several members pressed staff on whether the district should spend roughly $39,000 for an external executive search firm (identified in meeting discussion as Alma/AMLA/AMLO Group) or use internal human-resources capacity.
Dr. Jones, who presented the recommendation, said HR could handle recruitment and that, “in light of our budget woes” he would “go with Dr. Davis and the HR team,” while also saying he had confidence in the outside firm’s prior work. Multiple members asked whether other quotes had been solicited; Dr. Jones said he had researched firms but had not yet obtained multiple written quotes.
The board voted to ratify the salary-scale resolution; the recorded vote included one dissenting vote from Mr. Walker. The board also approved the package of contracts presented that evening while voting to take the Flock contract separately.
Board members who urged a pause said spending on an external search without comparative quotes and more internal review felt premature given current budget pressures. Supporters emphasized the speed and access to candidates that a retained search firm can provide.
Staff said they would provide options to the board on search methods and potential costs before proceeding with a contract.