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Independence 30 board accepts MSBA search plan and opts for closed superintendent search
Summary
MSBA presented a timeline and community engagement plan to Independence 30’s board, recommending a Sept. 12–Dec. 31 application window, a closed search to protect sitting candidates, and a $245,000–$280,000 salary range; the board asked for plain-language survey wording and weekly applicant updates.
The Independence 30 Board of Education heard a presentation from the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) on a proposed superintendent search plan and signaled support for a closed search model and a Sept. 12–Dec. 31 application period.
MSBA co-lead Dr. Janette Coward, identified in the meeting as a retired Park Hill superintendent, told the board the firm’s priorities are a clear hiring timeline, robust community engagement and legal compliance. “I’m a process believer in all ways,” Coward said, urging trust in a repeatable process to deliver high-quality candidates.
MSBA lead Trent Grunmayer outlined the firm’s proposed timeline and recruitment strategy, saying the firm prefers keeping the application window open through winter break so prospective candidates who are working can complete the detailed application. He recommended the board post the job on Sept. 12, keep the window open through Dec. 31 and begin screening during the first week of January.
Board members pressed MSBA on community outreach. A board member identified as Denise asked about the survey’s subject line and distribution methods; MSBA responded that the district email would be the primary sender and that additional outlets—newsletters, chamber outreach, radio and short customized URLs—would be used to boost responses. The firm also proposed multilingual surveys and both open community forums and invited focus groups, including a Spanish-language session and separate teacher-leader meetings.
On recruitment goals, MSBA said it aims to deliver “20 to 30-plus” quality applicants rather than promising a fixed count, citing examples from comparable districts where applicant pools ranged from the mid-teens to low-30s. The consultants also recommended a salary range of $245,000 to $280,000 to provide flexibility during negotiation and to attract candidates from varied pay scales.
The board debated whether to run an open or closed search. MSBA explained a closed search tends to preserve confidentiality for sitting superintendents and can increase willingness to apply. Board member Anthony and others voiced support for confidentiality to protect candidates’ current relationships; President Dixon and a majority of board members indicated a preference for a closed search while MSBA agreed to provide frequent non-identifying public updates on the process.
MSBA also described the screening process: initial desk screenings, tiered recommendations (green/middle/red), social-media background checks and short Zoom screenings before in-person finalist days. Board members asked to see both qualified and nonqualified applicants; MSBA said it would provide full applicant folders and suggested the board identify in advance whether it wanted only qualified candidates sent for detailed review.
The consultants urged the board to review and finalize contract language with district legal counsel well before finalist interviews, noting that items such as residency requirements, relocation allowances and severance terms can deter top candidates if discovered late. MSBA said its typical goal is to make an offer shortly after formal finalist interviews.
Next steps: MSBA will post the job as discussed, distribute the survey and convene the community forums. The board tentatively blocked January dates for screening and finalist interviews and requested weekly, identical updates (via board officers or secretary) showing counts of completed and in-progress applications. The meeting ended with routine closing motions.
Sources: MSBA presentation and board discussion during the Independence 30 Board of Education meeting (MSBA presenters Dr. Janette Coward and Trent Grunmayer; board members including Denise, Wendy, Anthony, President Dixon).
