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Chico Unified hires Butte County Office of Education to run superintendent search; contract capped at $12,000
Summary
Following Superintendent Kelly Staley's announcement she plans to retire at the end of the school year, the board approved a contract with the Butte County Office of Education to conduct a superintendent search; the contract is not to exceed $12,000 and aims to support a hire by Nov. 20, with community input and two interview rounds.
The Chico Unified Board voted Sept. 4 to hire the Butte County Office of Education (BCOE) to conduct the district's superintendent search, approving a contract not to exceed $12,000 and outlining a rapid timeline to identify and recommend finalists.
Superintendent Kelly Staley told the board she had informed them earlier that she planned to retire at the end of the school year. "Last spring, I ... let the board know that this likely would be my last year, that I would my plans are to retire at at the end of this school year, June 30," Staley said, framing the need for an orderly search process.
Mary Sakuma, superintendent of the Butte County Office of Education, presented the BCOE proposal and timeline. "It's our pleasure to offer for your consideration an agreement for superintendent search services," she said, describing a search that would include advertising, paper screening, community and staff input sessions, two interview rounds and background checks designed to vet finalists thoroughly.
BCOE consultants emphasized a short but flexible timeline with the board's stated goal of offering a contract to a top candidate by Nov. 20; consultants said some screening dates may shift slightly to ensure robust candidate outreach and participation. Dr. Kathy Wheeler and Bill Cornelius, who are part of the BCOE team, described community engagement steps and candidate vetting practices.
Board members discussed required and preferred qualifications for candidates (a master's degree was widely preferred, superintendent experience welcomed but not mandatory, and district‑level administrative experience favored), how many candidates to forward to the board for final interviews, and whether salary range should be included in the job posting. Staff said the contract's $12,000 cap would cover consultant time and advertising costs and that the amount would be paid from the district's general fund under the board budget.
A motion to contract with BCOE to run the superintendent search was moved and approved by unanimous voice vote. Board members said they expect regular reports from BCOE and will discuss subcommittee membership and screening logistics at upcoming public meetings.
