ISBA updates Kuna board on superintendent search; five applicants reported so far
Summary
An Idaho School Boards Association representative told trustees the superintendent search had five applicants so far, described confidentiality and background/media scan procedures, and outlined next steps including screening and community forums.
Katie Russell, representing the Idaho School Boards Association, briefed the board on the ongoing superintendent search. "As of today, we have 5 applicants," Russell said, adding that candidates often apply closer to the deadline and that more applications are expected before the period closes.
Russell described ISBA’s process for handling applications: trustees and designated district staff will receive ‘screener’ access after the application window closes; ISBA will require confidentiality agreements and will conduct background and social-media/media scans through a contracted vendor. Russell said any items flagged by those scans would be shared with the board for consideration; clean scans will be reported as such.
She explained that application review and subsequent finalist rounds are typically handled in executive session until the board is ready to make public motions to advance candidates. Russell said districts often hold finalist interviews, district visits and community forums as part of the finalist process, and that the board will determine the specific steps after reviewing the applicant pool.
Russell noted an anticipated timeline that would allow a chosen candidate to begin a July 1 contract start date if the board proceeds on the current schedule.
The board scheduled a special meeting for Feb. 5 to review applications once the window closes and to begin screening.
