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Green Bay board directs district to run RFP for superintendent search
Summary
After debating four options for its superintendent search, the Green Bay Area Public School District board directed staff to publish a request for proposals to compare vendors, citing a desire for transparency and control over the engagement model.
The Green Bay Area Public School District Board of Education directed district staff to prepare and publish a request for proposals to identify vendors for the district's superintendent search, after a lengthy discussion about cost, engagement model and local control.
Board members discussed four options: conduct the search internally; accept BWP & Associates’ contract guarantee and limited expenses (estimated in the discussion at roughly $5,000 for travel/engagement); hire the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB), whose initial estimate ranged roughly $21,000–$26,000; or run a new RFP to see what other firms might be available. Jeanette briefed the board on the context and cost ranges, and several members said they wanted both cost-effectiveness and a hands-on engagement model.
"I think it's important that we consider using an RFP," Alex said, arguing that a short, focused RFP would clarify options and not necessarily lengthen the timeline. Others, including Laura, said past RFPs had not always produced better outcomes and urged caution; Laura said she preferred WASB or to negotiate scope and price with firms the board already knows. The chair said the district’s schedule includes time for vendor selection and that an RFP would not necessarily delay the overall search timetable.
The board’s direction asks district staff to draft the RFP, publish it, collect responses and return the results and recommended finalists to the board for review. Board members emphasized they expect the RFP to define the district’s desired scope and engagement model so finalists respond to a fixed set of expectations.
The discussion also included historical costs: the district reported past search expenses of $33,880 (2020) and $38,960 (2022) when outside searches were used. Several members stressed that an RFP would let the board compare models and pricing and preserve the board’s ability to control applicant screening and finalist selection.
Next steps: district staff will draft and publish the RFP, socialize the scope/questions with board members, and bring responses back for board review and potential finalist interviews or presentations.
