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Klamath County School District board votes 4–1 to hire Human Capital for superintendent search
Summary
After weighing local knowledge against firm resources and vetting concerns, the Klamath County School District board voted 4–1 to hire Human Capital to conduct its superintendent search; the board scheduled a brief introduction with the firm for the next day and directed staff to notify the other firms.
The Klamath County School District board voted 4–1 to hire Human Capital to run the district’s superintendent search, selecting the larger firm over a local consultant known as Heidi and her team.
Board members said they were weighing Heidi’s local, rural experience against Human Capital’s broader staffing resources and procedural practices. Brooke (board member) and Katie (board member) expressed support for Heidi’s rural focus and for publishing stakeholder survey results, while other members emphasized Human Capital’s experience conducting searches, reference checks and candidate vetting.
Several board members raised concerns about availability and communications. Katie told the board she had spoken to Heidi by phone and that Heidi said she works with a partner, Michael Scott, and an assistant, Amy, but some members said they had not received messages from Heidi. One board member flagged that a Human Capital submission contained what the board described as a professional misrepresentation in its packet; that concern prompted questions about the firm’s candor but did not change the vote.
Brooke read cost and scope details from Heidi’s slide: the price was listed as “not to exceed $21,950,” covering phases 1–5 of the search, advertising, one day of in-person stakeholder meetings, online stakeholder feedback, video interviews, criminal/financial/degree verification, travel expenses, and a two‑year guarantee. By contrast, Human Capital’s base price shown to the board was $29,300 plus travel, with an 18‑month guarantee. Both offers include background checks and additional travel or expense charges "plus" the base retainer.
During debate, Speaker 1 (board member Steve) summarized Human Capital’s commitment that district staff would not be asked to run the search, and several members said Human Capital’s hiring and special-education experience could address district priorities. Speaker 3 (Stephanie) moved the motion: "I move we select human capital to facilitate the superintendent search for Klamath County School District will be the official motion." Speaker 1 seconded. Recorded votes in the meeting produced at least four affirmative responses and one negative: Speaker 5 (John Rademacher) said, “I vote aye,” Speaker 1 said "Aye," Speaker 7 (Mark) registered assent, Speaker 2 used a thumbs‑up to indicate yes, and Speaker 6 (Katie) said, “I vote no.” The motion carried.
The board discussed next steps and asked Stephanie to notify Human Capital and copy the board; she said she would also notify the other firms that they were not selected. Members asked Human Capital to have Robin (the firm’s lead) attend the board’s meeting the following day for a brief meet-and-greet or introductory presentation and to remain after the meeting for follow-up questions.
In other business, members noted an agenda item asking the board to declare the Chilliquin "Big Jim" asset surplus; interested local parties include the Bridle Club and the city of Chiloquin, and the board asked members to consider timeline options before the formal agenda discussion.
The board adjourned after confirming the special meeting logistics and attendance; members thanked each other for the discussion and confirmed the 3 p.m. meeting start time for the following day.
